Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe – French Style Cauliflower & Cheese Bake
This Cauliflower Au Gratin recipe is a delightful and creamy twist on the classic French gratin technique, where tender cauliflower florets are enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and baked to perfection under a golden, crispy topping. The addition of nutmeg powder and a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile, while the breadcrumb topping gives it that perfect crunch. Ideal for a hearty dinner, this dish is simple to make and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (Gobi), cut into florets | 1 head |
| Salted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cheddar Cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | As needed |
| Pepper | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~12 g |
| Fat | ~20 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~22 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sugars | ~7 g |
| Sodium | ~450 mg |
Instructions
-
Blanch the Cauliflower:
Begin by placing a pot of water on medium heat and bringing it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water and carefully drop the cauliflower florets into the pot. Let the cauliflower blanch for about 3-4 minutes or until it softens slightly. Once done, strain the florets in a colander and set them aside. -
Prepare the White Sauce:
Next, place a non-stick pan on medium heat and melt the salted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the flour becomes slightly toasted and combines evenly with the butter, releasing a pleasant nutty aroma. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Slowly pour the milk into the flour-butter mixture, stirring constantly to smooth out any lumps. Continue to cook the sauce for 10-12 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become glossy. Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese, the parmesan cheese, nutmeg powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine. -
Assemble the Gratin:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). In a glass or ceramic oven-safe baking dish, pour half of the prepared cheese sauce into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining white cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure all the florets are covered. -
Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the remaining half cup of grated cheddar cheese with the bread crumbs. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the cauliflower and sauce. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb topping to ensure a rich, golden crust. -
Bake the Gratin:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The edges should be bubbling, and the breadcrumb topping should have a delightful crunch. -
Serve:
Once done, remove the gratin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm.
Serving Suggestions:
For a complete and satisfying meal, serve your Cauliflower Au Gratin alongside a fresh No-Mayo Potato Salad. The creamy, cheesy gratin pairs perfectly with the light and refreshing salad, creating a balance of flavors that will please everyone at the table.
This Cauliflower Au Gratin is an ideal addition to your dinner repertoire, perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. The richness of the cheese sauce and the crispy topping make it a standout dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy this comforting dish as a vegetarian main course or as a side to complement your favorite meat dishes.
