Best 5 Classic Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable Classic Cauliflower Au Gratin, a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven. This iconic dish features tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a creamy, rich cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Our comprehensive guide provides two irresistible variations: a traditional recipe that stays true to the classic flavors and a modern rendition infused with a touch of truffle oil for an extra layer of sophistication. Both recipes promise an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners. As you embark on this culinary journey, prepare to be captivated by the irresistible aroma and exquisite taste of this timeless dish.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN RECIPE



Classic Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe image

This Cauliflower Au Gratin is a classic, tasty, and simple casserole dish. It is great for any holiday or just a dinner side where you want something special.

Provided by Ben Myhre

Categories     Casserole

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 whole cauliflower, cleaned and green leaves removed
2 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoon flour
2 cups milk
3 ounces (about 1.5 cups) Shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 Fahrenheit
  • Fill a large pot full of water and bring to a soft boil
  • Add Cauliflower and cook for 15 minutes or until tender when you put a fork in it.
  • Remove from hot water and as soon as cauliflower is cool enough to handle, cut florets into bite sized pieces.
  • In sauce pan, heat butter on medium heat until melted
  • Add flour to butter and mix. It will appear like a thick paste.
  • Slowly add milk and stir well. The goal is to integrate the butter, flour mixture with the milk. Turn heat up to medium high.
  • Heat and stir until sauce thickens. Continue stirring until sauce starts to thicken.
  • Once thickened add half of the cheese and mix. Remove from heat and continue to mix for a minute to ensure dairy doesn't scald.
  • Add salt, pepper, and cayenne to sauce.
  • In casserole dish, add 1/3 sauce, cauliflower, and then the rest of the sauce, ensuring to cover all florets.
  • Spread breadcrumbs evenly over top.
  • Spread remaining cheese evenly over top.
  • Bake in oven for 40 minutes.
  • Remove from Oven and Serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/4 of total made, Calories 295 kcal, Sugar 11 g, Sodium 558 mg, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 27 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 16 g, Cholesterol 35 mg

CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN



Cauliflower Au Gratin image

Cheesy cauliflower.

Provided by Amy Woessner

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Cauliflower

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch ground nutmeg, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  • Heat butter in a small saucepan over low heat; cook and stir onion in the melted butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture just starts to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually pour milk into mixture, whisking into a smooth sauce. Cook until just simmering.
  • Remove sauce from heat and stir in half the Cheddar cheese until melted; sprinkle with pepper and nutmeg.
  • Place steamed cauliflower in the prepared baking dish; pour cheese sauce over cauliflower. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and browned, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.9 calories, Carbohydrate 10.6 g, Cholesterol 43.2 mg, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 249.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

CLASSIC CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN



Classic Cauliflower au Gratin image

Yummy, cheesy cauliflower. Very easy to make with a little kick.

Provided by janette

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Cauliflower

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup diced onion
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes, or to taste
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook uncovered until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine sour cream, Cheddar cheese, onion, melted butter, red pepper flakes, and salt in a baking dish. Mix in cauliflower. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Cholesterol 41.7 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 11.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 408.2 mg, Sugar 8.1 g

CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN



Cauliflower au Gratin image

Count on this dish to make new vegetable converts. Whenever I serve it, people ask for the recipe. Sometimes I'll substitute broccoli for all or half the cauliflower, and the green veggie tastes just as good! -Jacki Ricci, Ely, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tablespoons butter, cubed
4 ounces cooked ham, chopped
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash cayenne pepper
1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 to 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add ham and garlic; saute for 2 minutes. Add cauliflower, and cook just until crisp-tender. Combine cream and flour; stir into skillet, and blend well. Add salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute longer. , Pour into a 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil until lightly browned, 2-4 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 32g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 100mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

CAULIFLOWER GRATIN



Cauliflower Gratin image

Prep Ina Garten's recipe for Cauliflower Gratin from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network ahead as a creamy, cheesy vegetable side for a no-stress dinner party.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (3-pound) head cauliflower, cut into large florets
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups hot milk
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3/4 cup freshly grated Gruyere, divided
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Cook the cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture and stir until it comes to a boil. Boil, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until thickened. Off the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, the pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup of the Gruyere, and the Parmesan.
  • Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of an 8 by 11 by 2-inch baking dish. Place the drained cauliflower on top and then spread the rest of the sauce evenly on top. Combine the bread crumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyere and sprinkle on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the gratin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: Select a cauliflower with a compact, white head and no blemishes.
  • Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets: This will help them cook evenly.
  • Blanch the cauliflower: Blanching the cauliflower helps to remove any bitterness and tenderize it slightly.
  • Make a flavorful cheese sauce: The cheese sauce is the key to a great cauliflower au gratin. Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, for a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Don't overcook the cauliflower: Cauliflower should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight crunch.
  • Top with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs add a nice golden-brown crust to the cauliflower au gratin.
  • Bake until golden brown: Bake the cauliflower au gratin until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Conclusion:

Cauliflower au gratin is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover cauliflower and it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy breadcrumb topping, and tender cauliflower florets, cauliflower au gratin is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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