There is something about the simplicity of cauliflower that transforms into pure magic when paired with a few classic ingredients. Enter into the realm of comfort food with this delightful Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin recipe .
Imagine tender florets of cauliflower blanketed in a creamy béchamel sauce, topped with cheese and baked to golden perfection. It is a dish that will not only satisfy your comfort food cravings but will have you coming back for seconds and maybe thirds 😉.
This Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully as a side with roasted meats and many other main courses, but it also stands strong as a satisfying vegetarian option. If you love cauliflower in all its forms, my Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spiced Yoghurt and Pomegranate is another favourite where this humble vegetable really gets to shine.
It is also an excellent side dish when feeding a crowd and we regularly serve it at our family gatherings. At the end of the meal you can often find my sister, brother and I, standing in the kitchen fighting over the cheesy, burnt bits that have caramelised onto the sides of the baking dish. On the rare occasions when we have leftovers I like to eat it the next day with just a simple mixed leaf salad and it makes a perfectly acceptable lunch.
So what are you waiting for? Indulge in the magic of Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin – a dish that takes a simple vegetable to new heights. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a soul-warming treat. So, gather your ingredients and let the oven work its magic.
Cauliflower Gratin (Cheesy Cauliflower)
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower cut into florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp grated nutmeg
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheese tasty, cheddar or gruyere
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives to serve optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C).
- Blanch the Cauliflower: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but not too soft. Drain them well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted add the nutmeg and then add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste of the flour. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, then taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Place the blanched cauliflower florets into a baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the cauliflower, making sure each floret gets coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle over the cheese then place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh touch. Scoop out generous portions onto plates and relish the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Video
Nutrition
Discover more from Three Friends Cook
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.