side essentials: cheesy cauliflower gratin

47 Pinches 19 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Oct 10, 2017

This is an excellent side dish for your holiday table, or any other time. It is easy to assemble, and can be ready in 30 minutes. I tried this dish with broccoli, but finally settled on cauliflower. Cauliflower has a milder taste and a nutty flavor note; like a butternut squash. I think it is a flawless complement to the salty tang of the Pecorino Romano, the olives, and the mellow taste of the aged Parmesan. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Bake
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon sweet butter, unsalted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 15 - 20 large black olives, pitted, and sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup pecorino romano, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • - black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

How To Make side essentials: cheesy cauliflower gratin

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 3
    Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 375f (190c).
  • Step 4
    Cut or break up the cauliflower into small florets.
  • Step 5
    Blanch the cauliflower by dropping it into boiling salted water for 3 – 4 minutes.
  • Step 6
    Then plunge it into a bowl of ice water.
  • Step 7
    Once cool, remove from the ice water and drain on paper towels.
  • Step 8
    Heat up the oil and butter in a sauté pan over medium heat.
  • Step 9
    Add the onions, and cook until tender, but not browned, about 3 – 5 minutes.
  • Step 10
    Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
  • Step 11
    Add the olives to the pan, and remove from the heat.
  • Step 12
    Add the reserved cauliflower, Pecorino Romano, and then mix to combine.
  • Step 13
    Chef’s Note: At this point, season the dish with pepper, to taste.
  • Step 14
    Chef’s Tip: Since Pecorino Romano is a very salty cheese, you will probably not need any extra salt in this dish. You might, however, add a bit more heat (red pepper, cayenne), when the temps begin to drop.
  • Step 15
    Coat a baking dish with a bit of oil, and add the mixture, spreading out evenly. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese, and add to the top.
  • Step 16
    Add to the preheated oven, and bake for 20 -25 minutes, or until the panko/cheese topping begins to turn a yummy brown.
  • Step 17
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • Step 18
    Serve nice and hot with your favorite dishes… Beef, fish, poultry; it is up to you. Enjoy.
  • Step 19
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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