CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE

au gratin

SAUCE. Make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently. CAULIFLOWER. Use frozen cauliflower and defrost in the  microwave. MAKE AHEAD. Make the casserole in the morning, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

TIME SAVING TIPS

Curved Arrow

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Ingredients

2 medium heads cauliflower, divided into florets, about 12 cups 4 tbsp butter 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 tbsp all purpose flour 2 c whole milk 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp ground pepper ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese ½ c panko breadcrumbs 1 tbsp melted butter

STEP 1

SAUTE. Heat butter in sauce pot over medium high heat until it melts, then foams. Add the onion and cook until softened, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 2

THICKEN. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Work it in with a rubber spatula until thickened and paste-like (this is called a roux).

Scribbled Underline

STEP 3

ADD MILK. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid clumping (it is now a bechamel sauce).

Scribbled Underline

STEP 4

SIMMER. Simmer until the bechamel is thick and easily coats and clings to your spatula.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 5

CHEESE PLEASE! Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, then the add cheese in small batches.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 6

WHISK WELL! Whisk after each addition until very smooth.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 7

STEAM. Steam the cauliflower using your favorite method (stovetop, microwave, or instant pot).

Scribbled Underline

STEP 8

TRANSFER. Transfer the steamed cauliflower to the casserole dish and arrange in a single layer.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 9

SAUCE IT. Pour the cheesy sauce over the florets, then gently combine.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 10

MAKE TOPPING. Combine the melted butter and breadcrumbs in a small dish until evenly moistened.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 11

TOP IT. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the casserole.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 12

BAKE. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.

Scribbled Underline

STEP 13

SERVE. Garnish with parsley and freshly grated nutmeg (if available); serve hot or warm.

Scribbled Underline