Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin – Cheesy French-Style Baked Cauliflower

Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe – French Style Cauliflower & Cheese Bake

Cauliflower au Gratin is a delightful and creamy dish that brings together the subtle flavors of cauliflower with a rich, cheesy sauce. With a golden, crunchy top and a luscious, smooth interior, this French-inspired recipe is a perfect side dish to serve at dinner or even as a vegetarian main. The combination of cheddar, parmesan, and nutmeg makes this gratin both flavorful and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this baked cauliflower is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 75 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Continental

Course: Dinner

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Cauliflower:

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   • Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and drop in the cauliflower florets. Let them blanch for about 3-4 minutes, or until they soften but still retain some firmness.
   • Once blanched, strain the cauliflower in a colander and set it aside to drain well. This ensures your gratin doesn’t become too watery when baking.

2. Make the White Sauce:

   • In a non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep the heat low to allow the flour to toast slightly without burning.
   • Once the mixture becomes fragrant and starts to come together, slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to break any lumps that may form. Cook the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes glossy.

3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings:

   • Once the white sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and the nutmeg powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Gratin:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Pour half of the cheese sauce into a glass or ceramic oven-safe baking dish (a casserole dish works perfectly). Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
   • Place the blanched cauliflower florets on top of the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring that the florets are well-coated with the creamy mixture.

5. Prepare the Topping:

   • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cauliflower and sauce.
   • Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb topping. This will help create a golden, crispy crust when baked.

6. Bake the Cauliflower Au Gratin:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
   • Once done, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Cauliflower Au Gratin warm as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side like a No-Mayo Potato Salad or a crisp green salad.

This Cauliflower Au Gratin is an excellent dish to serve at family dinners, holidays, or any occasion when you want to treat yourself to a comforting yet elegant meal. Its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crunchy topping make it a standout dish on any table.

Tips for the Perfect Cauliflower Au Gratin:

• Blanching the cauliflower: Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower during the blanching step, as it will continue to cook in the oven and can become mushy. It should still have some bite when you strain it.
• Cheese choices: If you want a more intense flavor, you can substitute some of the cheddar with Gruyère or add a bit of blue cheese to the sauce for extra depth.
• Breadcrumbs: Use fresh breadcrumbs for the topping to achieve a more delicate texture. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice nutty flavor and extra crunch.

Enjoy this indulgent, flavorful dish with your loved ones and watch it disappear from the table in no time!