This Cheesy Cauliflower Au Gratin is a delightful side dish that combines tender cauliflower with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It’s a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving recipe lineup, offering a comforting and flavorful alternative to traditional vegetable sides.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings.
Easy Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe
This Cauliflower Au Gratin features fresh cauliflower florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. The dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Cauliflower: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Combine: In a baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat the florets evenly.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using) over the top of the cauliflower mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy and cheesy Cauliflower Au Gratin!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
