Creamy Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into medium florets (about 8 cups)
• ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, for serving

Dairy & Oils

• 2 Tablespoons butter, or olive oil
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Pantry

• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg, optional
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or almond meal

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease an 8×11 or 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Chop the cauliflower into medium florets and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well and pat dry.
3. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Slowly whisk in the almond milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in ¾ cup of shredded Gruyere and ¼ cup of Parmesan until completely melted and smooth.
6. Place the cooked cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
7. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Gruyere cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and the panko breadcrumbs or almond meal evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 30 minutes until the gratin is bubbly and the top is starting to brown. For extra golden topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.
9. Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and almond meal instead of panko breadcrumbs.
• Substitute butter with olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free but still rich.
• When broiling, keep a close eye to prevent burning the topping.
• Use unsweetened almond milk or any other unsweetened plant-based milk to maintain the savory flavor.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or use heavier cheese, but adjust calories accordingly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 380mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g