Cauliflower au Gratin Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful combination of tender cauliflower smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping in this scrumptious Cauliflower au Gratin recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone vegetarian delight, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Recipe Information:
- Name: Cauliflower au Gratin
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Description: Dive into the culinary world with this Cauliflower au Gratin recipe, perfect for any occasion.
- Recipe Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Cauliflower, Vegetable, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven
- Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars
- Review Count: 7
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 311.2
- Fat Content: 16.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 48.5mg
- Sodium Content: 878.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 27.3g
- Fiber Content: 4.8g
- Sugar Content: 5.1g
- Protein Content: 15g
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 2 | Lightly butter a 6-cup (1.5L) baking dish. |
| 3 | In a pot of boiling water, blanch the cauliflower for 3 to 5 minutes or until it’s tender-crisp. |
| 4 | Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with red pepper for added flavor. |
| 5 | In a non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. |
| 6 | Add the flour and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. |
| 7 | Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue stirring until it thickens. |
| 8 | Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, dried dill, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. |
| 9 | Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. |
| 10 | For the topping, mix together the remaining grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cheese sauce. |
| 11 | Bake the cauliflower au gratin, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. |
| 12 | Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. |
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cauliflower au Gratin hot as a comforting side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or as a standalone vegetarian main course. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness and irresistible flavor of this classic dish!
Tips:
- Customize the cheese blend according to your preference. Experiment with different types of cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
- For added richness, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream in the cheese sauce.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower during the blanching step; it should still have a slight bite to it as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make ahead: Prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce ahead of time, assemble the dish, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Conclusion:
Elevate your dinner table with this delectable Cauliflower au Gratin recipe, bursting with cheesy goodness and wholesome flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness with every bite!
