Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Indulge in this exquisite Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin, a creamy and comforting dish inspired by British culinary icon Delia Smith. This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a decadent feast with a delightful blend of two rich cheeses: nutty Gruyère and sharp Parmesan. The smooth, velvety crème fraîche forms a luscious sauce that hugs each floret, making this dish irresistible to even the pickiest of eaters. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or a main course during a cozy night in, it's sure to elicit delighted smiles at the table.
4
Servings
125
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cauliflower
1 medium (separated into florets)
Parmesan cheese
1.5 ounces (finely grated)
Parmesan cheese
1.5 tablespoons (extra, to finish)
Gruyère cheese
1.5 ounces (finely grated)
crème fraîche
3 tablespoons
bay leaves
2 (torn in half)
nutmeg
to taste (freshly grated)
spring onions
2 (finely chopped, including green parts)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to its highest setting.
2
In a steamer, arrange the cauliflower florets and a few inner leaves, interspersing the bay leaves among them.
3
Pour boiling water from the kettle into the steamer, and season with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and salt. Cover and steam the cauliflower until tender, about 12 minutes.
4
To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the thickest part of a floret; it should slide in easily. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a baking dish and cover it with a cloth to keep warm.
5
Pour approximately 3 oz of the steaming water into a saucepan. Add the crème fraîche and gently simmer, whisking until it thickens slightly.
6
Add both the finely grated cheeses to the saucepan, stirring gently over low heat for about a minute until melted and combined.
7
Season the cheese sauce to taste with salt and black pepper.
8
Pour the cheese sauce over the steamed cauliflower, ensuring each floret is well-coated.
9
Sprinkle the chopped spring onions and the extra Parmesan evenly on top. Dust lightly with cayenne pepper for an added kick.
10
Place the dish under the hot grill and broil until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, about 5-8 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin?
It is a creamy and comforting side dish made with steamed cauliflower florets, a rich cheese sauce consisting of Gruyere and Parmesan, and topped with spring onions and spices.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the British culinary icon Delia Smith.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses only vegetables and dairy products.
What type of cheeses are used in this recipe?
This dish uses a combination of nutty Gruyere and sharp Parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Gruyere?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with other melting cheeses like Emmental, Jarlsberg, or a mild Swiss cheese.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes for Parmesan in this dish.
What is the role of creme fraiche in this recipe?
Creme fraiche creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the cauliflower without being as heavy as a traditional bechamel.
Can I use sour cream instead of creme fraiche?
Yes, sour cream can be used, though it is slightly more acidic and has a lower fat content than creme fraiche.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people as a side dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
How long does it take to steam the cauliflower?
The cauliflower should be steamed for about 12 minutes until it is tender.
Why should I include the inner leaves of the cauliflower?
The small inner leaves are edible and add a nice texture and color to the finished gratin.
What is the purpose of adding bay leaves during steaming?
Bay leaves infuse the cauliflower florets with a subtle, aromatic flavor while they steam.
How do I know when the cauliflower is cooked?
You can check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of a floret; it should slide in easily.
Why use steaming water in the sauce?
The steaming water contains flavor from the cauliflower and nutrients, making it an ideal liquid base for the cheese sauce.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but you should thaw and drain it well to prevent the final dish from becoming too watery.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What is the function of the cayenne pepper?
A pinch of cayenne pepper is used as a topping to add a subtle heat and visual interest to the cheese crust.
How do I prepare the spring onions?
The spring onions should be finely chopped, including the green parts, to be sprinkled over the sauce before grilling.
What setting should my grill be on?
The grill should be set to its highest setting to quickly brown the top of the gratin.
How long should the dish be grilled?
Place the dish under the hot grill for 5 to 8 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can steam the cauliflower and prepare the sauce ahead, then assemble and grill it just before you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain the texture of the cheese sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
With only 6.25g of carbohydrates per serving, this dish can fit into many keto or low-carb meal plans.
What can I serve as a main dish with this gratin?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or can be served as a vegetarian main course.
Can I add other vegetables to this gratin?
Yes, broccoli or leeks would make excellent additions to this cauliflower-based gratin.
What if I do not have a steamer?
You can boil the cauliflower in a small amount of water for 8-10 minutes, though steaming is preferred for texture.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from burning under the grill?
Keep a close watch on the dish while grilling and ensure it is not placed too close to the heating element.
Is this recipe considered British cuisine?
Yes, cauliflower cheese is a classic staple of British home cooking and Sunday roasts.
Can I add a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs?
While not in the original recipe, you can add a layer of breadcrumbs before grilling for an extra crunchy texture.