Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Gruyere
divided
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- 2
Place the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then roast in the oven for 20 minutes, turning at the halfway point.
- 3
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until well blended. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Remove from heat, season with nutmeg and mix in half the cheese.
- 5
Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of an 8x11 baking dish. Place the roasted cauliflower on top and then pour the rest of the sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle the remaining half of the grated cheese and bread crumbs on top, alternating between them to form layers.
- 6
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is browned and bubbly.
Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty side dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make? This Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin delivers tender, flavor-packed cauliflower enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and a perfectly crispy topping.
The secret to this au gratin's incredible depth of flavor lies in roasting the cauliflower first. This crucial step caramelizes the florets, bringing out their natural sweetness and nuttiness before they even meet the velvety Gruyere cheese sauce. Coupled with a crunchy panko topping, you get layers of texture and taste far beyond a simple steamed dish.
Prepare for an incredibly satisfying experience. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures: the tender, slightly browned roasted cauliflower, the smooth and savory milk-based sauce infused with a hint of nutmeg, and the delightful crispness of the golden panko breadcrumbs. The rich, nutty flavor of Gruyere cheese truly shines, making this dish feel indulgent and incredibly comforting. It's a wonderful way to enjoy cauliflower, transforming it into a luxurious side that will impress at any meal.
While Gruyere cheese is a classic for its distinct flavor, you can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Feel free to substitute half of the Gruyere with another good melting cheese like sharp white cheddar or even a blend if you're looking for a different profile. If panko isn't in your pantry, regular breadcrumbs will work just as well for that essential crispy crust. For an extra aromatic kick, a pinch of onion powder could be added to the cauliflower before roasting alongside the garlic powder.
This versatile au gratin makes an elegant side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or fish, but it's equally delightful as a substantial vegetarian main course when paired with a fresh salad. It's perfect for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or simply elevating a weeknight spread with a touch of cheesy comfort.