Cheesy and creamy cauliflower gratin that's easy to prepare and makes for one delicious Holiday side dish recipe!
Servings : 6Servings
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 40 minutesmins
Total Time 50 minutesmins
Ingredients
FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE
4tablespoonsbutterdivided
2tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1 1-2cups2% milk
1/4cuphalf-and-half
3/4cupfinely shredded Manchego Cheese or Gouda Cheese
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1/2teaspoonitalian seasoning
salt and freshly ground pepperto taste
1/4teaspoonor to taste chili powder
pinchof ground nutmeg
FOR THE CAULIFLOWER
2poundhead of cauliflowercut into florets
3garlic clovesminced
1oniondiced
Spanish paprika(optional)
2tablespoonscoarsely chopped almonds(optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet.
Add the flour and whisk over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
Add the milk and the half-and-half; cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat and whisk in the cheese.
Whisk in the thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chili powder, and nutmeg; set aside and keep warm.
In a large skillet, bring 1/2 inch of salted water to a boil.
Add the cauliflower florest; cover and cook over high heat for 5 minutes.
Drain the cauliflower in a colander.
Melt remaining butter in a skillet.
Add the onion and cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the prepared cauliflower florets to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.
Transfer the cauliflower to a 2 quart baking dish and spread the prepared cheese sauce on top.
Sprinkle the top with the chopped almonds and paprika; bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbling and browned on top.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
MAKE AHEAD: The gratin can be done ahead of time! Prepare the cheese sauce and the cauliflower; put it all in a baking dish and refrigerate over night. When ready, bring it to room temperature before baking.Inspired by: Food & Wine
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.