| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 30g | 19g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 5g | 26g | 0.6g |
Why I Love Belgian Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
One of the recipes that has resonated with me deeply is the Belgian Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin. Now I know what you’re thinking. Jake, how does a Belgian dish tie into your heartland American roots?” Well, just hear me out.
A Bridge Between Cultures
Most gratins come with potatoes as a base, but this recipe takes a unique spin by using cauliflower. The richness of the cheeses and the distinctive flavor of nutmeg, combined with the freshness and texture of cauliflower make it a delight to the senses. This meal shares a close resemblance with another personal favorite of mine, the classic American Mac & Cheese, delivering similar creamy, cheesy indulgence. The beauty of the Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin, however, lies in the unique twist it brings, adapting a European dish to suit our American palate.
Unfolding the Layers
Taste is a journey, and the Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin is a delightful one. The first bite introduces you to the crunchy topping – breadcrumbs and a hint of Parmesan, then comes the symphony of the Gruyère and Cheddar melting across your tongue followed by the slight nuttiness of nutmeg and white pepper. And at its soul, the mild, textured cauliflower that ties everything together in a humble veggie bow.
This delectable dish pairs well with a range of entrées, from your traditional Roast Beef Provencal to a lighter Pan Seared Salmon. Each bite of the gratin perfectly compliments the meat, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.
Inspiration and love
Although there’s no singular chef that inspired the creation of this Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin, I can’t help but admire the handiwork of Julia Child, who —in my opinion— is a key figure in popularizing gratins in the United States. Her dedication to introducing us to European cooking has brought with it a wave of culinary innovation. Drawing inspiration from her, I have fallen in love with this recipe and have enjoyed revising it to suit my culinary style.
Believe me when I tell you, this recipe is worth it. The Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin marries an intense blend of flavors that would enchant your taste buds and make your gatherings a lot more joyous. It still retains a comforting, homestyle charm that mirrors the hearty meals I grew up with in Nebraska, where every dish is a celebration of taste and togetherness.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large cauliflower (approximately 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup of grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Then, take your large cauliflower and wash it well. Once clean, cut it into florets and place it in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and enough water to cover the cauliflower. Cover the pot and bring it to boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower has softened.
Step Two
While the cauliflower is cooking, heat 2 cups of full-fat milk until it is warm. In another saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and stir it well into the butter. Keep the heat low and slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to ensure the flour blends well and doesn’t form lumps.
Step Three
Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper into the milk and flour mixture, whisking well. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it has thickened.
Step Four
Remove the sauce from heat and add in 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese, 1 cup of grated sharp Cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step Five
Drain the cooked cauliflower and place it in a baking dish. Then, pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. On top, sprinkle 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. This will create a crispy, golden topping.
Step Six
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, and then enjoy your Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin!
