Cauliflower au Gratin

This is a decadent dish that’s perfect for the Thanksgiving table. Creamy and flavorful cheese sauce poured over roasted cauliflower forms a perfect pairing. It’s quick and can be created early and baked right before serving, which is great for hectic holiday preparations.

Why this recipe works.

Thanksgiving and all of the holidays are times that we make extra effort and use recipes that are not everyday foods. An au gratin uses cheese, butter, and breadcrumbs to create a sumptuous dish. Often used with potatoes, the same principle can be applied to cauliflower. The key is in the texture of the cauliflower. Instead of cooking the vegetable in water, this recipe roasts it for a crisp-tender texture. Once mixed with a quick cheese sauce and topped with buttery breadcrumbs, the perfect holiday side dish is baked. This is one that will wow and satisfy even the pickiest eater. Welcome to your new favorite side dish.

Everything you’ll need to make this recipe.

• Cauliflower is roasted to create the perfect texture. Crispy vegetables can withstand the heavy flavors of cheese and butter.
• Gruyère cheese is the iconic cheese used in au gratins for its slightly nutty and buttery flavor.
• Nutmeg is often used in cheese sauces to bring out the complex flavors of the cheese. A small amount goes a long way in adding immense flavor without being overpowering.
• Fresh breadcrumbs add the texture and consistency needed to absorb some of the butter for a toasty topping.

Here’s how to make this recipe.

1. Roast the cauliflower. Take the heads of cauliflower and break them down into small florets. Place them on a large sheet pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and work it in with your hands, then spread the vegetables into an even layer. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Place into a 425°F oven for 12 to 18 minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.

2. Prepare the sauce. Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Dice the onion and add to the butter. Cook until the onion becomes slightly translucent and soft, about 4 to 6 minutes. Mince garlic and add with the onion. Cook for a few seconds, just heating the garlic. Add kosher salt and black pepper. Place in the flour and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, just enough time to break it down. Stir in the milk and cook until it simmers throughout, then remove from the heat. Add in the gruyere cheese, reserving some for garnish. Add in the Dijon and grate in the nutmeg. Stir and let the cheese melt into the sauce.

3. Assemble the dish. Add the roasted cauliflower to a 9×13 or 8×11 baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Top the rest of the dish with gruyere and Parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs, and black pepper. Sprinkle on top of the dish. Place into a 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is golden brown.

These pro tips will make this recipe a success.

• When breaking down the cauliflower, pieces of the stem can also be included in the dish. However, keep the core out. But while it won’t work well in this dish, it can still be eaten. Peel off some of the outer layers of the core, and you have the perfect snack!
• When adding the garlic to the sauce, make sure not to overcook it. The minced garlic is small, so it cooks quickly; it just needs a few seconds to warm. If it gets overcooked, the taste will become bitter.
• When adding the milk, stir it in ¼ to ½ cups at a time. This extra time creates a smoother sauce in the end.

You’ll love these other Thanksgiving side dishes.

• Cranberry marmalade
• Traditional stuffing
• Homemade green bean casserole
• Easy sweet potato casserole
• Apple and sausage cornbread stuffing
• Stuffed acorn squash casserole
• Easy slow cooker stuffing
• Corn spoon bread
• Grandma Alice’s mashed potatoes
• Roasted carrots with dates and pistachios