Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin with Crunchy Topping
Indulge in this creamy and decadent Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin, a perfect addition to any festive feast. This elegant dish transforms simple cauliflower florets into a comforting casserole, beautifully combined with rich heavy cream and your choice of cheese, either cheddar or Swiss. Topped with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb crust, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—silky and cheesy with a satisfying crunch. It's an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering, sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
8
Servings
150
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (broken into florets)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain or seasoned)
Heavy cream
1 cup (fresh)
Shredded cheese
1/2 cup (cheddar or Swiss)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the cauliflower florets in a large saucepan with 1 inch of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover the pan and bring it to a boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the cauliflower simmer for about 6 minutes, or until it is crisp-tender. Drain the cauliflower well and set it aside.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, butter a 2-quart baking dish generously.
4
Place the drained cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the cauliflower.
5
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the shredded cheese on top of the cream. Gently mix just until the cheese is incorporated with the cream and cauliflower.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well mixed. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower and cheese layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
8
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish as a main or side at your holiday table!
Nutrition Information
11.25
Fat
7.5
Carbs
3.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin with Crunchy Topping?
It is a creamy and decadent casserole featuring cauliflower florets combined with heavy cream and cheese, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this gratin?
The main ingredients are cauliflower, salt, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, shredded cheese, and butter.
What type of cheese is best for this cauliflower dish?
You can use either cheddar or Swiss cheese for this recipe.
How should the cauliflower be prepared?
The cauliflower should be broken into florets before cooking.
How long do I need to simmer the cauliflower?
Simmer the cauliflower for about 6 minutes or until it is crisp-tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much salt is required in total?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the boiling water and the cream mixture.
What makes the topping crunchy?
The topping is made from a mixture of 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for the topping.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish.
For which holidays is this dish recommended?
This gratin is excellent for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh heavy cream.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 3.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11.25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size baking dish should I use?
A generously buttered 2-quart baking dish is recommended.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
Bake the gratin for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
What is the texture of this cauliflower gratin?
The dish offers a contrast of textures, being silky and cheesy with a satisfyingly crunchy topping.
Can I use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, Swiss cheese is a suggested alternative to cheddar for this recipe.
Do I need to cover the pan when boiling the cauliflower?
Yes, cover the pan when bringing the water and cauliflower to a boil.
Should the butter for the topping be melted?
Yes, the 1/4 cup of butter should be melted and then mixed with the breadcrumbs.
How do I incorporate the cheese into the dish?
Sprinkle the cheese over the cream and cauliflower, then gently mix until it is incorporated.
Is this considered a side dish or a main course?
It can be served as either a main dish or a side dish.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the gratin to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
How much cauliflower do I need to buy?
You will need 1 head of cauliflower.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Cauliflower and Casseroles.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include cauliflower, gratin, cheesy, comfort food, vegetarian, side dish, holiday recipe, thanksgiving, christmas, and casserole.
Does this recipe provide fiber or sugar data?
No, fiber and sugar information is not provided for this recipe.