Cauliflower Gratin

A cauliflower casserole in a blue dish topped with bread crumbs.

4 from 14 votes

This Cauliflower Gratin recipe transforms cauliflower into a cheesy, irresistible side dish that people of all ages will love. This special dish is an excellent choice for your holiday menu.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, French

Servings: servings

Calories: 233kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

2 pounds cauliflower florets or 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk 2% reduced fat or whole, warmed in microwave for approximately 1 minute
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
⅓ cup seasoned (Italian style) Panko bread crumbs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Bring water to a boil in a large pot over HIGH heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until just barely tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over LOW heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking, for about two minutes. Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Continue to cook, whisking, until thickened. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg, and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese.
Pour the sauce over the the cooked cauliflower and mix well to combine. Pour the cauliflower mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Combine the bread crumbs with the Parmesan and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional pepper, if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Make-Ahead Instructions

Follow recipe as written but do not add the bread crumb/Parmesan mixture to the top. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow to sit on the kitchen counter for 20 to 30 minutes to take the chill off. Top with the breadcrumb/Parmesan cheese mixture and bake as directed, increasing the cooking time a little, if necessary.

Nutrition