This Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin is a delightful side dish that elevates any meal with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a comforting treat, this recipe combines tender cauliflower with a luscious cheese sauce. The blend of Gruyère and parmesan creates a savory experience that will leave your guests asking for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The combination of cheeses provides a rich, creamy taste that enhances the natural sweetness of cauliflower.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this gratin without fuss.
Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side for any main course or even as a vegetarian main dish on its own.
Crowd-Pleaser: This gratin is sure to impress both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike with its comforting essence.
Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake right before serving for stress-free hosting.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Casserole dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Colander

Importance of Each Tool

Casserole dish: A sturdy dish holds the ingredients well while baking, allowing for even cooking.
Medium saucepan: Essential for making the cheese sauce, providing enough space to whisk without splattering.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in the cheese sauce by blending ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Gratin

3-pound head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 sprig fresh thyme, plus more to garnish
12 turns fresh black pepper
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese (Comté is a good substitute)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs

How to Make Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Steam or boil the cauliflower in salted water until firm but tender, about 5 to 6 minutes.
If boiling, make sure to drain very well in a colander.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

While the cauliflower is cooking:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease an 8 x 11 x 2-inch casserole dish.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk until it reaches a nice tan brown color, forming a roux.
Gradually add milk in splashes while whisking continuously until you get a thick liquid.
Add thyme sprig, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; continue boiling while whisking until thickened like heavy cream.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Remove the white sauce from heat and stir in parmesan and half of the grated Gruyère.
Spoon cheese sauce into the bottom of your greased casserole dish.
Add cooked cauliflower florets evenly across the sauce.
Pour remaining cheese sauce over cauliflower and top with breadcrumbs and remaining Gruyère.

Step 5: Bake Your Gratin

Place in the top third of your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes until browned.
Serve hot or at room temperature for an irresistible side dish!

How to Serve Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Protein

Roasted Chicken: The savory notes of roasted chicken complement the creamy texture of the gratin.
Grilled Fish: Light and flaky fish balances the rich flavors of the cauliflower.
Steak: A juicy steak served alongside adds a hearty touch to your meal.

Add Freshness

Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm gratin.
Steamed Asparagus: Bright green asparagus adds color and a nutritious boost.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce.

Garnish Ideas

Fresh Thyme Sprigs: A simple garnish that enhances the herbaceous flavor.
Chopped Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to your presentation.

How to Perfect Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Look for firm florets without brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook Cauliflower: Steam or boil until just tender; you want it to hold its shape in the gratin.
Whisk Constantly: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure smoothness.
Experiment with Cheeses: Use different cheeses like cheddar or Fontina for a unique twist on flavor.
Add Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick if you enjoy heat.
Let it Rest: Allow the gratin to sit for a few minutes after baking; it will set nicely and make serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin can shine as part of a larger meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider pairing with it.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized and slightly crispy, they make a great companion.
Herbed Quinoa: Nutty quinoa flavored with herbs complements the richness of the gratin well.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes bring comfort alongside this dish.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a lovely contrast.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to balance flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many cooks make simple mistakes that can affect the quality of their Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overcooking the cauliflower: Steaming or boiling the cauliflower too long can make it mushy. Cook until just tender, about 5 to 6 minutes, to maintain a good texture.
Not seasoning enough: Failing to salt the water when cooking the cauliflower may result in bland flavors. Always season your water generously to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Skipping the roux step: Neglecting to create a roux with butter and flour can lead to a watery cheese sauce. Whisk until it forms a paste before adding milk for the right consistency.
Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can alter the taste and texture of your gratin. Opt for high-quality Gruyère and Parmesan for a rich flavor.
Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can burn the top while underbaking leaves it unappetizingly soupy. Keep an eye on it and bake until golden brown on top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Portion it out for easy reheating later.

Reheating Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot all the way through.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works fine in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

What if I can’t find Gruyère cheese?

You can substitute Comté or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile while still maintaining creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the gratin up to baking, cover, and refrigerate it. Bake when you’re ready to serve.

Is this gratin gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative in place of all-purpose flour for the roux.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main course, it captivates with its cheesy goodness. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables!

Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Creamy Baked Cauliflower Gratin, the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. This comforting recipe combines tender cauliflower with a rich blend of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, creating a savory experience that will impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to accompany a variety of main courses, this gratin is an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, it can be made ahead of time for stress-free hosting! With its delightful flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

3-pound head of cauliflower
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 sprig fresh thyme
3/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Prepare the cauliflower by steaming or boiling in salted water for about 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8 x 11 x 2-inch casserole dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk until golden brown to create a roux.
Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Add thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; boil until creamy.
Remove from heat, mix in Parmesan and half of the Gruyère. Layer cheese sauce in the greased dish, add cooked cauliflower, pour remaining sauce over it, and top with breadcrumbs and remaining cheese.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American