Cauliflower Gratin

This Cauliflower Gratin is a comforting, delightful dish that transforms humble cauliflower into a creamy and satisfying culinary experience. Fresh cauliflower florets are coated in a velvety milk and cheese sauce that’s rich and flavorful. A mixture of breadcrumbs, melted butter and seasonings is sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch. After baking the Cauliflower Gratin gets a golden-brown crust that makes a delectable contrast to the creamy interior.

This Cauliflower Gratin can be considered a healthier option compared to traditional Potato Gratin. Cauliflower is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and a great source of fiber. 

By substituting cauliflower for potatoes, you reduce the overall calorie and carbohydrate content of the dish. 

The creamy sauce in the Cauliflower Gratin is made with milk, adding a calcium boost, and the use of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for the topping introduces a satisfying crunch without using excessive amounts of butter and heavy cream.

So, if you’re looking for a lighter alternative this Cauliflower Gratin can be a nutritious and flavorful choice.

Whether you enjoy it as a side or make it the main dish, this Cauliflower Gratin is an easy and tasty treat that everybody will love. 

How to make Cauliflower Gratin

Begin by cutting the cauliflower into small florets. Put these cauliflower bits in a steamer basket above simmering water. Cover it up and let the cauliflower steam for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough to get rid of the rawness but keep it firm, as it will cook more in the oven. Take the cauliflower off the heat and set it aside.

Now, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Time to make the sauce! In a saucepan, bring milk, garlic, and a bay leaf to a simmer. Remove from heat. After about 5 minutes, toss out the bay leaf and garlic cloves. In another small saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for a minute. Whisk in the milk, stir until it thickens, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Throw in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and mix.

Butter a 9-10 inch (23-25cm) baking dish and dust it with breadcrumbs. Arrange the steamed cauliflower in a single layer, sprinkle green onions on top, then pour the sauce all over. Add more cheese on top.

For the breadcrumb topping, mix breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mix over the cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown.

Enjoy your delicious Cauliflower Gratin alongside your preferred meat, or opt for a vegetarian option by serving it with a fresh salad and some crackers or crusty bread.

Hope you will try this Cauliflower Gratin. If you do, make sure to share the photos with me on Instagram. Would love to see how it turns out for you.

Other cauliflower recipes you may like to try

Savor our delectable Roasted Cauliflower, crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Whether paired with your favorite protein or enjoyed as a vegetarian delight, our roasted cauliflower will sure add a touch of sophistication to any meal.

Enjoy our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, crisp, fresh, and bursting with flavor. It is a simple and tasty treat perfect for any occasion.

This Cauliflower Pizza is a guilt-free tasty twist on a classic favorite. Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a delicious, low-carb treat.

Cauliflower Gratin with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb topping

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Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower Gratin

5 from 1 vote
This Cauliflower Gratin is a comforting, delightful dish, a creamy delight of tender cauliflower in a rich, cheesy sauce.  After baking the Cauliflower Gratin gets a golden-brown crust that makes a delectable contrast to the creamy interior.
Servings 6 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds  (900g) cauliflower , about 1 large head 
  • 3 tsp breadcrumbs , for coating the pan

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp (30g) butter
  • 2 tbsp (20g) flour
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 ½ cup (360ml) milk
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese

For Assembling

  • 1 green onion , finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese , grated

For the Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1/3 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp (15g) butter
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
  • Place cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover, and steam the cauliflower for 3 to 4 minutes, just enough to get rid of the rawness but keep it firm. It will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Remove cauliflower from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 F (200C).

Prepare the sauce.

  • In a saucepan add the milk, garlic and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let infuse for about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and garlic cloves.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute then whisk in the milk. Stir it until it thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper and remove from heat.
  • Add ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
  • Butter a 9 -10 inch (23-25cm) baking dish and coat it with breadcrumbs.
  • Arrange the steamed cauliflower florets in one layer and sprinkle the green onion over the cauliflower.
  • Pour the sauce all over the cauliflower.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.

Prepare the breadcrumb topping.

  • In a small bowl mix breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder and melted butter.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving out of 6Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 21.2gProtein: 10.8gFat: 11.5gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 576mgPotassium: 614mgFiber: 4.8gSugar: 7.8gCalcium: 245mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 223kcal
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked cauliflower, cauliflower, cauliflower gratin

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.

Join the Conversation

  1. Sheela M Unnikrishnan says:

    Your video for this cauli gratin is not complete n half way another cinnamon roll video comes in

    1. Ella - Home Cooking Adventure Author says:

      Just checked, the video works just fine. It is a 5.58 minute long video with full recipe. Hope it works for you too.

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