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Creamy casserole with crispy topping

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Anamaria Negoita
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower gratin baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners or family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, European
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 211 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the gratin:

  • 800 g cauliflower (about 1 large head), cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for coating the baking dish)
  • 70 g mozzarella grated

For the sauce:

For the topping:

  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For garnish:

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a 25 × 18 cm baking dish and coat it with 2 tsp breadcrumbs. (I added a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little extra kick).
  • Cook the cauliflower: Boil or steam for 8 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
  • Make the sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, chili flakes and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and garlic.
  • Assemble the gratin: Arrange cauliflower in the baking dish. Pour sauce over and sprinkle with mozzarella.
  • Prepare the topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Scatter evenly over the cheese.
  • Bake: 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the cauliflower; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Drain thoroughly to avoid a soggy gratin.
  • Panko breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan can make the topping crunchier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 6.9gFat: 18.4gSaturated Fat: 11.3gTrans Fat: 11.3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 328mgSugar: 2.5gVitamin C: 156mgCalcium: 156mgIron: 0.66mg
Keyword Cauliflower Gratin, Cheesy Cauliflower, Cheesy Veggie Bake, Easy Dinner, Vegetarian Side
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