What Is Cauliflower Au Gratin?
Cauliflower au gratin is a baked dish made with cauliflower florets and a creamy cheese sauce. It is then baked until golden brown and bubbly.
It's a popular dish for holidays and special occasions that is a comforting and satisfying meal on its own.
How To Make Broccoli Cauliflower Au Gratin?
You can add broccoli to this cauliflower au gratin recipe. To make Broccoli Cauliflower Au Gratin with cheese sauce,
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until they are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Arrange the blanched cauliflower and broccoli florets in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables, making sure they are coated evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, shredded cheese, and butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the au gratin.
- Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How To Keep Cauliflower Au Gratin From Getting Mushy?
Here are a few tips to prevent cauliflower au gratin from becoming mushy:
- Blanch the cauliflower quickly. Blanch the cauliflower for just 3-5 minutes in boiling, salted water, until it is slightly tender but still firm. Be careful not to overcook it.
- Shock the cauliflower. After blanching the cauliflower, transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and help it retain its texture.
- Drain the cauliflower. Drain the cauliflower well after blanching and shocking it to remove any excess moisture.
- Don't overcrowd the dish. When preparing cauliflower gratin, avoid overfilling the dish. This can cause the cauliflower to release excess moisture and become mushy.
- Use a thicker sauce. Use a thicker bechamel or cheese sauce to bind the cauliflower together and prevent excess moisture.
How To Serve Cauliflower Au Gratin?
Cauliflower au gratin is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and side dishes. Serve cauliflower au gratin alongside roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, or with fish or seafood. It also goes well with vegetable dishes.
Cauliflower gratin is a popular dish for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It can be served alongside other traditional holiday dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or brussels sprouts can be a tasty and healthy side dish to serve alongside with it. A glass of white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can complement the flavors of the cauliflower with bechamel sauce.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Cauliflower Au Gratin:
How To Store Cauliflower Au Gratin?
To store cauliflower gratin, follow these steps:
- Allow the cauliflower au gratin to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator and store for up to 3 days.
Can Cauliflower Au Gratin Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze cauliflower au gratin. However, the texture and taste may change slightly when it is reheated. To freeze the cauliflower gratin, allow it to cool completely. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed below.
How To Reheat Cauliflower Au Gratin?
To reheat cauliflower au gratin, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Remove the dish from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cover the cauliflower au gratin with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat portions of cauliflower au gratin in the microwave. To do this, transfer the portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
