Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 75 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cauliflower au Gratin recipe is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich cheddar and Gruyere cheese sauce, topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a comforting side or a satisfying vegetarian main, it combines classic French techniques with easy-to-follow steps for a delicious result in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

  • 2 pounds cauliflower florets
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Topping

  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • Remaining 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to ensure it is hot and ready for baking when all components are prepared.
  2. Boil Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the tablespoon of salt. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 5 minutes until slightly soft. Drain them in a colander and set aside.
  3. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, then whisk the mixture constantly for about 1 minute until lightly browned to develop flavor.
  4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add Cheese: Remove the pan from heat, then add ground black pepper, 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, and Gruyere. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Assemble Gratin: Spread half of the cheese sauce on the bottom of an 8×11 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked cauliflower florets over the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the cauliflower to cover it completely.
  7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the assembled cauliflower and sauce.
  8. Add Butter: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb topping to help it create a golden, crispy crust while baking.
  9. Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh cauliflower florets for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overboil the cauliflower; it should be slightly tender but still hold its shape.
  • You can substitute Gruyere with Emmental or Swiss cheese if unavailable.
  • For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • This dish can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate before baking and bake when ready.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Find it online: https://ascookasyoucan.com/cauliflower-au-gratin-recipe/