Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin

Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin is a rich and comforting dish, with tender cauliflower smothered in a luscious cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or any cozy dinner!

Here’s an easy recipe to make Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin:

Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, but adds a nice tang)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for the breadcrumb topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Blanch the cauliflower:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 4-5 minutes until just tender, but still firm (don’t overcook!). Drain the cauliflower and set it aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce:
   In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (it should bubble but not brown).

   Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

   Once the sauce is thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine cauliflower with sauce:
   Add the blanched cauliflower florets to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat the cauliflower in the creamy mixture. Pour the cauliflower and cheese sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare the breadcrumb topping:
   In a small bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toss to coat them in the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cauliflower mixture.
6. Bake the gratin:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish and serve:
   Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy:

This Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin is a perfect side dish that’s indulgent yet full of flavor. The creamy cheese sauce combined with the crispy breadcrumb topping makes it a crowd-pleaser!

Let me know how it turns out or if you want to try any variations (like adding bacon or a different type of cheese). Enjoy!