Creamy Baked Cauliflower au Gratin
Savor the delightful flavors of tender, oven-baked cauliflower enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles, as it steers clear of canned cream-of-X soups. Instead, we craft a velvety cheese sauce from scratch, bringing together the warmth of butter, flour, and a hint of spice balanced with the smoothness of milk and tangy cheddar. Whether you're looking for a comforting side dish or a delightful vegetarian main course, this baked cauliflower au gratin is sure to impress at any dinner table.
6
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (cut into bite-size pieces)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
6 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Hot red pepper flakes
1 pinch (to taste)
Milk
2 cups (whole, or skim for a lighter option)
Cheddar cheese
1-2 cups (grated, plus additional for topping)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Salt
to taste (optional)
Pepper
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and steam them until just tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot red pepper flakes and garlic powder (if using) for added flavor.
4
Gradually add the flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
5
Slowly whisk in the milk, adding it in increments and stirring until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
6
Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes creamy, which may take about 10-15 minutes.
7
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of the grated cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Spread the steamed cauliflower pieces evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
9
Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring even coverage.
10
If desired, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
36g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Cauliflower au Gratin?
It is a vegetarian dish consisting of tender oven-baked cauliflower covered in a scratch-made cheese sauce.
How many calories are in one serving of this cauliflower au gratin?
There are 400 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I steam the cauliflower?
Steam the cauliflower pieces for approximately 5-7 minutes until just tender.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1-2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can use skim milk instead of whole milk for a lighter version of the cheese sauce.
Does this recipe use canned cream-of-X soups?
No, this recipe avoids canned soups by using a homemade sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish is recommended.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16g of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for added flavor.
How do I know when the cauliflower au gratin is done?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
What spices are used to season the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with hot red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the cauliflower before baking?
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and steam them until tender.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter.
How much flour is used to thicken the sauce?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much milk is required for the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses 2 cups of milk.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a comforting vegetarian main course or a side dish.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
It takes about 10-15 minutes of stirring over medium heat for the sauce to become creamy and thick.
Should I add the cheese while the sauce is on the heat?
No, remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the grated cheese.
What type of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes a pinch of hot red pepper flakes, which adds a hint of spice, but it can be adjusted to taste.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is melting butter in a medium saucepan and stirring in spices.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a classic cheesy casserole.
How much cauliflower do I need?
You will need 1 head of cauliflower.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy layer.