Creamy Gruyere Roasted Cauliflower
Indulge in the delightful flavors of perfectly roasted cauliflower, tossed in olive oil and seasoned to perfection, then generously draped in a rich, creamy gruyere cheese sauce. This dish combines the nutty, toasty notes of roasted cauliflower with the luxurious creaminess of melted gruyere, creating a mouthwatering side that's sure to impress at any dinner table. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it not just a side dish, but a reason to celebrate! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 small (cut into florets)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Flour
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Milk
3/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Gruyere cheese
3/4 cup (shredded)
Parsley
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the florets are evenly coated.
3
Spread the seasoned cauliflower onto a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring there's enough space for even roasting.
4
Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets are golden brown and tender.
5
While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the gruyere cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned, creating a roux.
6
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens, approximately 3 minutes.
7
Stir in the salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the shredded gruyere cheese until fully melted and well incorporated.
8
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the roasted florets.
9
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Gruyere Roasted Cauliflower?
It is a side dish featuring roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, topped with a rich and creamy Gruyere cheese sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the cauliflower.
How long should the cauliflower roast?
The cauliflower should be roasted for approximately 30 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and tender.
What seasonings are used for the roasted cauliflower?
The cauliflower is tossed with olive oil, salt, and black pepper before roasting.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for this recipe?
You should take one small cauliflower and cut it into florets.
What is the base of the Gruyere cheese sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made of 1.5 tablespoons of butter and 1.5 tablespoons of flour, followed by 3/4 cup of milk.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and continue to whisk occasionally while it thickens.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls specifically for shredded Gruyere cheese for its nutty and creamy qualities.
How much Gruyere cheese is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese.
When should I add the cheese to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before whisking in the shredded Gruyere cheese until it is fully melted.
What is used to garnish the dish?
The dish is garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Can I use a rimmed baking sheet?
Yes, the instructions recommend spreading the seasoned cauliflower onto a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Should I stir the cauliflower while it roasts?
Yes, you should stir the cauliflower occasionally to ensure even roasting and browning.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
After adding the milk, the sauce should take approximately 3 minutes to thicken.
What should the texture of the cauliflower be when finished?
The cauliflower should be tender and the florets should have a golden brown color.
How much salt is added to the cheese sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust it to taste.
How much black pepper is in the cheese sauce?
The sauce uses 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is melting 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until it is lightly browned.
How is the sauce applied to the cauliflower?
Once the cauliflower is roasted and transferred to a platter, drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the florets.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the recipe suggests adjusting the salt and black pepper in the sauce to suit your personal taste.
What kind of milk should be used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of milk; while the type isn't specified, whole or 2% milk typically works best for creamy sauces.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
This is traditionally served as a side dish, perfect for gatherings or family meals.
What tools are needed for the sauce?
You will need a medium saucepan and a whisk to create a smooth cheese sauce.
Does the recipe use fresh parsley?
Yes, the garnish is freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including seasonings and garnish.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, due to its rich, creamy cheese sauce and roasted textures, it is tagged as comfort food.