Side Dishescoleycooks5.0
Easy Baked Cauliflower Gratin
This easy baked cauliflower gratin is a classic French side dish that's a great make-ahead recipe for serving a crowd. It's melty, cheesy and perfect for the holidays!
👥 7 Servings⏱️ Prep & Cook: 40 min⏳ Prep: 20 min🔥 Cook: 20 min👤 Nicole Gaffney📖 coleycooks
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- pot
- oven
- casserole dish
- pan
- whisk
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Add the cauliflower to a medium pot, then add just enough room temperature water to barely cover. The goal is to use less water in order to achieve a more concentrated cauliflower flavor, so it's okay if some pieces are sticking out of the top.
2
Bring the water up to a simmer, then cover and cook until the cauliflower pieces are al dente, about ⏱️ 2-3 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well and reserve the cooking water.
3
Preheat the oven to 400℉ and butter the inside of a medium casserole dish.
butter (plus more for greasing the dish)3 tablespoonsbutter3 tablespoons
4
Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it absorbs all the butter, about ⏱️ 1-2 minutes.
butter (plus more for greasing the dish)3 tablespoonsbutter3 tablespoons
5
Slowly whisk in 1½ cups of the reserved cauliflower cooking water (it should still be warm), then continue whisking until it comes up to a boil.
6
Lower the heat, continue whisking, and cook for ⏱️ 2-3 minutes until thickened.
7
Whisk in the heavy cream, salt and pepper, then turn off the heat.
8
Stir in the nutmeg and ⅓ of the Gruyere cheese (about 1 cup) until the cheese is melted.
Gruyere cheese (grated (about 3 cups), divided)6 ounces
9
Add the well-drained cauliflower to the cheese sauce and mix to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed - it will likely need a bit more salt and pepper.
10
Scrape the cauliflower mixture into the buttered casserole dish, being sure to get every last bit of cheese sauce in there.
11
Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere cheese, then set aside while you make the topping.
Gruyere cheese (grated (about 3 cups), divided)6 ounces
12
Melt the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium heat, then add the garlic and stir around until it starts to sizzle.
butter (plus more for greasing the dish)3 tablespoonsbutter3 tablespoonsgarlic (finely minced)1 clove
13
Add the panko breadcrumbs, thyme leaves and a pinch of salt and pepper, then continue to stir around until light golden brown, about ⏱️ 5 minutes.
fresh thyme leaves1 teaspoon
14
Spread the breadcrumbs on top of the cauliflower in an even layer.
15
Bake for about ⏱️ 20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs have darkened a few shades and it's bubbling up around the sides.
16
Allow the gratin to cool down for about ⏱️ 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
calories
296 kcal
fat Content
22 g
serving Size
1 serving
fiber Content
2 g
sugar Content
3 g
sodium Content
1021 mg
protein Content
11 g
trans Fat Content
0.4 g
cholesterol Content
62 mg
carbohydrate Content
16 g
saturated Fat Content
13 g
unsaturated Fat Content
7 g
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