Creamy Cauliflower Shells Gratin
Dive into this delightful creamy Cauliflower Shells Gratin that brings together firm-tender cauliflower and perfectly cooked pasta shells, all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce. Ideal for a cozy family meal or a gathering, this dish can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With the option of using broccoli instead, this versatile recipe caters to different tastes while ensuring a comforting and satisfying dining experience. Top it off with a golden breadcrumb crust for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior, making it a dish that pleases both the palate and the eye.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower florets
6-7 cups (Cooked until firm-tender and drained well)
Medium pasta shells
8 ounces (Cooked as per package instructions)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (None)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Half-and-half cream
3 cups (None)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (None)
Dried nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Black pepper
To taste (None)
Grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (None)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (None)
Finely chopped green onion
1/2 cup (To taste)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (Optional)
Fresh breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (None)
Grated parmesan cheese
1-2 tablespoons (For topping)
Melted butter
2-3 tablespoons (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
4
Whisk in dried thyme, nutmeg, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5
Gradually incorporate the flour into the butter mixture, whisking continuously for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
6
Slowly whisk in the half-and-half cream, continuing to stir on medium-low heat until it reaches a light boil and thickens.
7
Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and continue whisking for an additional 3 minutes before removing from heat.
8
Carefully mix in the grated cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until all cheeses melt and blend into the sauce. Season with salt and adjust black pepper to taste.
9
In a large bowl, combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and the firm-tender cauliflower, ensuring an even mix.
10
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
11
In a separate small bowl, combine fresh breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese and melted butter, mixing well.
12
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the cauliflower and pasta in the baking dish.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower Shells Gratin?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring firm-tender cauliflower and medium shells enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce with a golden breadcrumb crust.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I substitute broccoli for cauliflower?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that broccoli can be used as a versatile alternative.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
Bake the gratin for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of medium pasta shells.
How do I prepare the cauliflower?
The cauliflower florets should be cooked until firm-tender and drained well before being added to the sauce.
What cheeses are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of grated cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a roux of butter and all-purpose flour, combined with half-and-half cream.
What spices are used to flavor the cheese sauce?
The sauce is flavored with dried thyme, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and black pepper.
How much cauliflower is needed?
The recipe requires 6-7 cups of cauliflower florets.
Is Dijon mustard required?
No, Dijon mustard is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the flavor.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping?
Mix fresh breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese and melted butter.
How do I prevent the gratin from sticking to the dish?
You should butter the 13 x 9-inch baking dish before adding the pasta and cauliflower mixture.
What type of cream should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of half-and-half cream.
Are green onions included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of finely chopped green onions is mixed into the cheese sauce.
How long should I cook the roux?
The flour and butter mixture should be whisked continuously for 2-3 minutes.
What should the consistency of the cauliflower be?
The cauliflower should be firm-tender, not mushy.
Is the dish spicy?
It contains 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a hint of warmth, but it can be adjusted to taste.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it reaches a light boil and thickens significantly.
What provides the crunch on top?
A mixture of fresh breadcrumbs, parmesan, and melted butter creates a golden, crunchy crust.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe specifies fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder could be used in a pinch.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
1/4 cup of butter is used to start the sauce.
What should I do after the sauce thickens?
Reduce the heat to low and continue whisking for 3 minutes before removing from heat and adding the cheese.
How much parmesan is needed for the topping?
The topping requires 1-2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Salt is used to season the cheese sauce to taste at the end of its preparation.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 17 ingredients in total.
What is the final step before baking?
The final step is to sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the cauliflower and pasta in the baking dish.