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Creamy Cauliflower Gratin Recipe – Best Comfort Food

creamy cauliflower gratin - featured image

A cozy yet elegant dish with a bubbling golden crust, velvety creamy sauce, and tender cauliflower. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Wash and trim the cauliflower, then cut it into bite-sized florets. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the florets for about 5 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Then, add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.
  5. Spread the cooked cauliflower evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the florets, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  6. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the gratin.
  7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
  8. Let the gratin sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the cauliflower to avoid a mushy texture.’, ‘Whisk constantly when making the roux and cheese sauce to prevent lumps.’, ‘Season generously as cauliflower has a mild flavor.’, ‘Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.’, ‘Cover the dish with foil if the topping browns too quickly.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower gratin, comfort food, creamy, healthy, holiday dish, gluten-free option, keto-friendly