Cauliflower au Gratin

Cauliflower au Gratin is a creamy and cheesy baked side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender roasted cauliflower is coated in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked until golden, making it a comforting addition to any meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 large head)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
  For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup shredded Gruyere, Swiss, or additional cheddar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Rinse cauliflower and cut into bite-sized florets.
• Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic if using and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly add milk while whisking to keep smooth. Cook until thickened and bubbly.
• Stir in cream cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until smooth.
• Add ¾ cup cheddar cheese and Gruyere, stirring until melted.
• Toss roasted cauliflower with cheese sauce and place in a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Top with remaining cheese and bake 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Broil 1-2 minutes for a golden brown top.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve immediately as a warm, cheesy side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or a vegetarian main.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain a creamy texture.
• For make-ahead meals, assemble the dish and refrigerate unbaked; bake before serving.

Variations

1. Garlic Herb Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley to the cheese sauce.
   • Incorporate 2-3 minced garlic cloves for extra aromatic flavor.
   • This variation gives the dish a fragrant, savory profile perfect for holiday dinners.
2. Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Use smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar.
   • Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky taste.
   • Pairs well with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
3. Parmesan Crust Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Mix ½ cup grated Parmesan with ½ cup panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top before baking.
   • Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a crunchy, golden crust.
   • Ideal for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
4. Spicy Jalapeño Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
   • Optional: sprinkle crushed red pepper on top before baking.
   • A great twist for those who enjoy a little heat in their side dishes.
5. Mushroom and Gruyere Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and fold them into the sauce with the cauliflower.
   • Enhances umami flavor and gives the dish a more robust texture.
6. Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Replace half of the cauliflower with broccoli florets.
   • Combine cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy taste.
   • A colorful and nutrient-packed variation for families.
7. Truffle Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Add ½ teaspoon truffle oil to the cheese sauce.
   • Top with fresh thyme or chives before serving.
   • Perfect for an upscale or gourmet version of the classic dish.
8. Pesto Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Stir 2 tablespoons of basil pesto into the cheese sauce before combining with cauliflower.
   • Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch.
   • Adds a fresh, Italian-inspired twist.
9. Vegan Cauliflower au Gratin
   • Use unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy), vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free shredded cheese.
   • Thicken the sauce with 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch as usual.
   • A creamy, comforting side dish suitable for vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cauliflower au Gratin ahead of time?
   Yes, you can roast the cauliflower and prepare the cheese sauce in advance. Combine and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
   Yes, thaw and pat dry before roasting to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy.
3. Is there a dairy-free version?
   Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free shredded cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
5. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
   Broil for only 1-2 minutes at the end and watch closely until it turns golden brown.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots can be added for variety and extra nutrients.
7. Can I make it spicy?
   Yes, add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
8. Can I use gluten-free flour?
   Absolutely, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
9. How do I get a smooth, creamy sauce?
   Whisk continuously when adding milk and cook over medium heat to avoid lumps. Adding cream cheese while warm also ensures a smooth texture.
10. Can I reduce the cheese for a lighter version?
    Yes, you can use less cheese or choose lower-fat cheese options while still keeping the creamy consistency.

Cauliflower au Gratin is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or poultry. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick, comforting meal.

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