Description
A creamy and cheesy cauliflower au gratin recipe featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a golden Parmesan panko crust. Perfect as a comforting French-American style side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and blanch cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook cauliflower florets for 5–6 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the gratin: Place the cooked cauliflower in a greased 2-quart baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Prepare topping and bake: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute part of the cheddar with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ensure milk is warmed before adding to the roux to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
