Description
A delightful cauliflower gratin with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy panko topping, perfect as a side or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or preferred blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: garlic powder or paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch the cauliflower in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5–7 minutes, then drain.
- Make the roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour for about a minute.
- Add milk gradually, whisking to avoid lumps until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Melt in shredded cheese until smooth, and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Combine the cauliflower with the cheese sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest for a minute before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing the cheese sauce and cauliflower a day in advance. Try adding sautéed onions or diced ham for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cauliflower gratin, cheesy casserole, comfort food, vegetarian recipe, baked cauliflower