Cauliflower Gratin

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crispy crust, this Cauliflower Gratin is the perfect comfort-food side dish. It’s an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or can even be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or sharp cheddar)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 4–5 minutes, until just tender. Drain well and pat dry.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the Gruyère cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
Fold the cauliflower into the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, remaining ¼ cup Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cauliflower.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Tips

Drain the cauliflower thoroughly to avoid a watery gratin.
Broil for the last 2 minutes for an extra-crispy topping.
Add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Roast chicken
Grilled steak
Baked ham
Pork chops
Roast turkey
Fresh green salad

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 290 calories per serving