au gratin cauliflower recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best au gratin cauliflower recipe

I’ve been making au gratin cauliflower for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. This dish is a staple in many European cuisines, and its origins date back to the Middle Ages. The name ‘au gratin’ literally means ‘with a golden crust’ in French, which perfectly describes the crispy, cheesy top layer that crowns this dish.

When I first started making it, I was blown away by the simplicity and elegance of this recipe. It’s a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of cauliflower, and the flavors are both familiar and exciting at the same time. My kids love helping me prepare this dish, as they get to use their favorite cheese grater to grate the cheese for the topping.

It’s also an amazing way to get them involved in cooking, as they can help with measuring out ingredients and sprinkling the cheese on top. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, I can use different types of cheese or add some heat with red pepper flakes.

I’ve even made it vegan by using dairy-free cheese alternatives. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main event, au gratin cauliflower is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – cauliflower is a superfood that’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

By using a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions, we can create a beautiful presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Au Gratin Cauliflower

4.8 from 841 votes

Au Gratin Cauliflower is a comforting and creamy dish made with tender cauliflower florets baked in a rich cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for a side dish or a light main course, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Cauliflower

1 large head cauliflower
salt
black pepper

Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

Topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Cut the cauliflower into florets, then place the florets in a large pot.
3Cover with water and add a pinch of salt.
4Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
5Drain the florets in a colander and set aside.
6In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
7Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light brown color.
8Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
9Cook the sauce for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
10Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and onion powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
12Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the top of the cauliflower.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
14Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Baking dish
Saucepan
Whisk
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add cooked bacon or chopped herbs to the cheese sauce for extra flavor. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.

Au gratin cauliflower is a dish that I always recommend. It’s a comforting, delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

You can serve it as a main course or a side dish, and it pairs well with a variety of proteins and sides. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

I love that it’s a healthy and delicious option for me and my family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Au Gratin Cauliflower

5

Can I use different types of cheese in au gratin cauliflower?

You can use any type of cheese you like in au gratin cauliflower.

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