Creamy Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

Creamy Cauliflower Gratin is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender cauliflower baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal and works wonderfully for holiday dinners or family gatherings. Here’s how you can make it:

Creamy Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of both)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish.
2. Blanch the Cauliflower:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the Dijon mustard, grated Gruyère (or cheddar), Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Gratin:
   • Place the blanched cauliflower florets into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cheese sauce.
6. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: You can mix and match cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Enjoy your Creamy Cauliflower Gratin! It’s a rich, comforting side that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own.