Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin – Creamy and Comforting Side Dish

Bring a touch of comfort to your dinner table with this Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked until golden and bubbling. The tender cauliflower pairs beautifully with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a side for your favorite roast, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
• A lighter, veggie-forward twist on traditional potato gratin.
• Perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Reheats beautifully for delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes, until just tender. Drain well.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the sauce is creamy.
6. Gently fold the cauliflower into the sauce until fully coated.
7. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle over the top.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, classic touch.
• Substitute broccoli for half of the cauliflower for color and texture.
• For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko.
• Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until bubbly.
• Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, turkey, or baked fish.
• Add a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy as a vegetarian main with crusty bread or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the gratin up to one day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it uncovered until bubbly and golden.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly and remove it from heat before adding cheese. Overheating can cause cheese to separate and become grainy.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide a perfect balance of flavor and meltability, but Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack also work wonderfully.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before using to avoid extra water in the dish.

Ready to Make It?

This Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Save it to your Pinterest board or share it with someone who loves cozy, cheesy recipes!

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