Description
This Cauliflower Au Gratin is a rich and creamy side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a cheesy white cheddar and Gruyère sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. It’s an indulgent yet simple dish that pairs beautifully with any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling)
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the Cauliflower:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add cauliflower and boil for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously.
- Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in black pepper, ½ cup white cheddar, and Gruyère until melted.
4️⃣ Assemble the Dish:
- Spread half the cheese sauce on the bottom of an 8×11-inch baking dish.
- Add cauliflower, then pour over the remaining cheese sauce.
5️⃣ Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with the remaining ½ cup of white cheddar.
- Melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter and drizzle over the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the cauliflower.
6️⃣ Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
✅ Cheese Variations – Swap Gruyère for Swiss, Emmental, or Provolone.
✅ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs.
✅ Low-Carb Alternative – Use almond flour instead of regular flour and crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
