Introducing a delectable dish straight from the heart of your kitchen: Cauliflower Cheese Pie! 🥧 This savory creation, inspired by a recipe from America’s Small Farms, brings together the wholesome goodness of cauliflower, the comforting richness of cheese, and the earthy appeal of potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this delightful pie promises to be a star at any gathering or cozy family dinner. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of crafting this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Cauliflower Cheese Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 raw potatoes
- 1/2 tsp salt (for potato crust)
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, grated
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing crust)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 – 1 tsp salt (divided)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 – 1/2 head cauliflower
- Butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). |
| 2 | Generously grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan. |
| 3 | Prepare the potato crust: Grate the raw potatoes and toss them with 1/2 tsp of salt. Let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water. Combine the drained potatoes with the beaten egg and grated onion in a medium bowl. Pat the potato mixture into the greased pie pan, shaping it into a crust with lightly floured fingers. |
| 4 | Bake the potato crust for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown, brushing the crust with olive oil after the first 20 minutes to help crisp it. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). |
| 5 | While the crust is baking, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, 1/2 tsp of salt, and black pepper. Set aside. Blanch the cauliflower by briefly immersing it in boiling water, then draining and rinsing with cold water. |
| 6 | In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, onions, minced garlic, and 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped parsley, basil, and thyme, and cook, covered, for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. |
| 7 | Layer the baked potato crust with half of the grated Gruyere cheese, followed by the cauliflower mixture, and then the remaining cheese. Pour the prepared milk-egg mixture over the top of the pie and lightly dust with paprika. |
| 8 | Bake the assembled pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. |
| 9 | Once baked, remove the Cauliflower Cheese Pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Slice into generous portions and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy! |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 360.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 23.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 214.9mg
- Sodium Content: 798mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.5g
- Fiber Content: 3.7g
- Sugar Content: 4g
- Protein Content: 21g
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cauliflower Cheese Pie, where every bite is a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. Whether served as a hearty main dish or a delightful side, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of homemade goodness fill your kitchen as you embark on this culinary journey. Bon appétit! 🍽️
