cauliflower and cheddar gratin
Frankly, just about anything tastes good when it's baked in a cheese sauce. This cauliflower gratin is no exception... in fact cauliflower and cheese sauce seem to be made for each other. The sharpness of the cheese and the subtle strength of the cauliflower marry well for the perfect side dish. When I make this, I forgo the potato. You just don't need it. And when it comes to the meat, simple is best. Let the Cauliflower Gratin shine as the star that it is. If you are a vegetarian (not vegan), this is a very satisfying main dish. Try it, you'll love it!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
With a nice and creamy cheese sauce, this cauliflower gratin is perfection! It almost tastes like mac and cheese, but healthier. The cheese sauce is creamy with a hint of tang from the Dijon mustard. A delicious side dish that would be great with roasted chicken or steak. Try serving this as a holiday side dish too. We think it will be a hit with kids.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, florets only
- 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups milk, heated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 dashes nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, grated
- 1/4 cup plain, dry bread crumbs
How To Make cauliflower and cheddar gratin
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Step 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. [Test Kitchen Tip: Add milk to the boiling water to help keep the white color vibrant.] -
Step 2Add cauliflower florets to boiling water and parboil for 6-7 minutes.
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Step 3Once cooked, place florets into an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain.
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Step 4Place in a buttered casserole dish. I use a 10 inch round just under 3 inches deep.
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Step 5Make a white sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan.
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Step 6Add flour to the butter and stir with a large spoon to incorporate.
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Step 7Add the heated milk and stir constantly with a whisk over medium heat until the sauce comes to a boil.
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Step 8Remove white sauce from heat and add all the remaining ingredients, except the bread crumbs. Whisk well until the cheese is thoroughly melted.
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Step 9Pour sauce over the cauliflower.
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Step 10Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top of the cauliflower and cheese sauce.
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Step 11Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Let sit 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
