cauliflower au gratin recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cauliflower au gratin recipe
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The Best cauliflower au gratin recipe

I’ve always been a fan of cauliflower au gratin, and my family loves it too. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a special dinner or just a quick weeknight meal.

I think what I love most about it is the way the flavors all come together – the slightly sweet cauliflower, the rich and creamy sauce, and the crispy, golden-brown topping. It’s just a match made in heaven.

And the best part is, it’s actually really easy to make. You can use pre-shredded cheese and pre-made breadcrumbs to save time, and you can even make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

So even on the busiest of days, you can still have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in no time. I like to serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

And as an added bonus, this recipe is actually pretty healthy too – cauliflower is low in calories and high in fiber, and using low-fat cheese and breadcrumbs keeps the calorie count down as well. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!…

Cauliflower au Gratin

Cauliflower au Gratin

4.7 from 731 votes

Tender cauliflower florets baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until just tender when pierced with a fork.
4Drain the florets in a colander and let them cool slightly.
5In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
6Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
7Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
8Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 4 minutes.
9Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and black pepper.
10Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11Place the drained cauliflower florets in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
12Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are coated.
13In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
14Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sauced cauliflower.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
16Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
9×13 inch baking dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Small bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk. You can also add cooked bacon bits or chopped fresh chives as a garnish before serving.

Watch Video Of How Cauliflower au Gratin Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a side dish at family gatherings or holiday meals, or use it as a main course when you’re short on time.

And because it’s so easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it, you can even use it as an emergency dinner solution when all else fails!

To store leftover cauliflower au gratin, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing – then reheat by microwaving until hot and bubbly again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cauliflower au Gratin

What is cauliflower au gratin?

Cauliflower au gratin is a dish that originated in France, where it’s known as ‘cauliflower gratinée’. It’s made by layering cauliflower florets with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs in a baking dish, then baking until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

How do I make cauliflower au gratin?

To make this recipe, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, steam your cauliflower florets until they’re tender but still crisp. While they’re steaming, mix together some grated cheese (such as cheddar or Parmesan), low-fat milk or cream, some chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Sure! Frozen cauliflower works just as well as fresh in this recipe. Just thaw it first by leaving it out at room temperature for a few hours before using.

How long does cauliflower au gratin keep in the fridge?

This dish will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat it.

Can I reheat cauliflower au gratin in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat this dish in the microwave if you prefer – just be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent steam from building up inside.

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