Description
Bobby Flay’s Cauliflower Gratin elevates humble cauliflower into a luxurious side dish with layers of creamy cheese and golden breadcrumbs. Rich parmesan and gruyère meld perfectly, creating a comforting French-inspired classic that will become your new favorite vegetable indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ pound (226 grams) Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) grated Parmesan
- 6 ounces (170 grams) goat cheese, cut into small pieces
Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
Seasoning:
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Select a medium-sized baking dish and combine the fresh cauliflower florets with rich heavy cream, blending in a harmonious mixture of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and tangy parmesan cheeses.
- Season the cauliflower mixture generously with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, ensuring each floret is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for 25 to 35 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden brown and the sauce to become thick and bubbling.
- Remove the baking dish carefully from the oven using heat-resistant mitts and allow the cheesy cauliflower to rest and set for 8 to 12 minutes, which helps the sauce stabilize and intensify in flavor.
- Serve the roasted cauliflower warm, directly from the baking dish, as a delectable side dish or light vegetarian main course.
Notes
- Perfectly slice cauliflower into uniform pieces to ensure even roasting and golden-brown edges.
- Experiment with cheese blends like sharp cheddar or smoky gouda for personalized flavor depth.
- Go easy on added salt since parmesan and other cheesy ingredients naturally bring robust seasoning.
- Lighten the dish by swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier twist.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce kitchen stress.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating gently to maintain texture.
- Freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meal options when time is tight.
- Choose fresh, firm cauliflower heads with tight, unblemished florets for the best results.
- Allow dish to cool slightly before serving to let flavors meld and cheese set.
- Pair with grilled proteins or as a standalone vegetarian main course for versatile dining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 763 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg