Cauliflower au Gratin with Pepper Jack Cheese
User Reviews
5
Cauliflower au Gratin with Pepper Jack Cheese
Description
This recipe features cauliflower broken into florets and boiled in salted water until tender but still firm. While cooking, a cheese sauce is made by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually adding milk to form a smooth, thickened sauce. Half of the pepper jack cheese is melted into the sauce, which is poured over the cooked cauliflower in a casserole dish. The remaining cheese is sprinkled on top to create a melted, golden crust during baking at 350°F for 15 minutes.
The pepper jack cheese adds a gentle spiciness and creaminess that balances the mildness of the cauliflower. The baking step melts the cheese further and enhances the dish with a slight browning that contributes a subtle crispness and developed flavor. Texturally, the cauliflower provides a tender bite underneath the rich, luscious cheese topping.
This gratin serves well as a comforting side dish to meats or as a vegetarian main course component. The use of pepper jack cheese distinguishes this gratin with a subtle heat uncommon in traditional versions, giving it a distinctive character.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds cauliflower
- salt for cooking cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese (divided use)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cut cauliflower into florets.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add cauliflower and cook until it is tender but firm, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, start the cheese sauce.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.
- When the butter has melted completely, add the flour.
- Cook the flour for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring or whisking as it cooks.
- Slowly begin to add milk, whisking or stirring as the milk is added. The sauce should thicken with each addition of milk.
- After the milk is added, add 4 ounces of cheese. Stir until it melts completely.
- Place the cooked cauliflower in a large casserole dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
- Sprinkle remaining 4 ounces of cheese over the cauliflower.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. The gratin is done when the cheese is slightly browned.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 198kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 241mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 571mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 82mg | 91% |
| Calcium | 283mg | 28% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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