{"id":1529029,"date":"2020-08-19T06:45:45","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T06:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cauliflower-gratin\/"},"modified":"2024-11-15T11:56:38","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T17:56:38","slug":"cauliflower-gratin","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cauliflower-gratin\/","title":{"rendered":"Cauliflower Gratin"},"content":{"rendered":"
Cauliflower au gratin is similar to the classic French potato au gratin in most ways, except for the main ingredient. Both are baked in a rich, creamy bechamel cheese sauce until golden and bubbly. The benefit of using cauliflower instead of potatoes is this cruciferous vegetable boasts lower carbohydrates, higher fiber and more nutrients (including vitamins C and K, folate and antioxidants).<\/p>\n
Not only does making cauliflower au gratin save you calories, but it also saves prep time since you don’t need to parboil the florets like you would potatoes. All you need to do is quickly roast the cauliflower while you whisk up the cheese sauce.<\/p>\n
Place cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast in a 375\u00b0F oven for eight minutes, stir and continue cooking until crisp-tender and lightly browned, seven to eight minutes more.<\/p>\n In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly and cook until thickened, two to three minutes. Remove from heat.<\/p>\n Stir in the Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan cheese,\u00a0 onion powder, ground mustard,\u00a0 Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper and remaining 1\/2 teaspoon salt and pepper until smooth.<\/p>\n Test Kitchen Tip<\/em>: This recipe is best with fresh shredded Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese will make the texture grainy.<\/p>\n Pour 3\/4 cup of the cheese sauce into a greased two-quart baking dish. Top with cauliflower and the remaining cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly and lightly browned, for 30 to 35 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme.<\/p>\n Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350\u00b0 for 15 to 20 minutes until warm, or heat individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes. Because of the dairy-based sauce, we do not recommend freezing au gratin. The creamy sauce may separate or become grainy.<\/p>\n Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.<\/p>\n Yes, make sure to thaw and drain the cauliflower well before using.<\/p>\n It pairs well with roasted meats like a pork loin roast, grilled chicken or as a standalone vegetarian dish.<\/p>\n Unsweetened plant milks can be used but may slightly alter the flavor and consistency.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It’s so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. \u2014 Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8024,"featured_media":2107599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[305883,304423,304328,305487,304515,304988,304408,304368,303887,305018,304268,304558,324623,304313,303883,304468,304353],"categories-v2":[311532,308821,308988,308319,308984,310796,308880,308935,308813,308745,308478,308959,259483,308910,309177,308313,308476,308875,309005],"coauthors":[343402],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Cauliflower Soup","post_link":"\/recipes\/cauliflower-soup\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Cauliflower-Soup_EXPS_FT24_19731_JR_0214_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cauliflower Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/cauliflower-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cauliflower-Casserole_EXPS_TOHD24_11102_AlejandroMonfort_5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Celery Gratin","post_link":"\/recipes\/celery-gratin\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Celery-Gratin_EXPS_RC21_261162_B07_22_8b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cauliflower Potato Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/faux-potato-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/EXPS_TOHD24_167221_CauliflowerPotatoSalad_EmilyJDavis_014-e1724860528744.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes","post_link":"\/recipes\/mashed-cauliflower-with-parmesan\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/EXPS_TOHD24_53004_AlejandroMonfort10-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cauliflower Steak","post_link":"\/recipes\/cauliflower-steak\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cauliflower-Steaks_EXPS_TOHVP24_277305_MR_09_06_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Corn and Potato Gratin","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-corn-and-potato-gratin\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Sweet-Corn-and-Potato-Gratin_exps130774_THHC2236536A05_20_12bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cauliflower Mash","post_link":"\/recipes\/cauliflower-mash\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Cauliflower-Mash_EXPS_THCOMS17_210984_D09_08_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Butternut Squash and Kale Gratin","post_link":"\/recipes\/butternut-squash-and-kale-gratin\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Squash-Kale-and-Bacon-Gratin_EXPS_RC21_259457_E06_24_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cauliflower Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/cauliflower-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps3553_CX1591C47A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Roasted Cauliflower","post_link":"\/recipes\/roasted-cauliflower\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Roasted-Cauliflower_EXPS_THFM19_54909_E09_25_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Macaroni Au 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Gratin","post_link":"\/recipes\/cashew-cauliflower-and-leek-gratin\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Cashew-Cauliflower-and-Leek-Gratin_EXPS_FT19_203835_F_0731_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Swiss Potato Gratin","post_link":"\/recipes\/swiss-potato-gratin\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps25745_CFT943311D37A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cabbage Au 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Gratin","datePublished":"2020-08-19","dateModified":"2024-08-08","prepTime":"PT25M","cookTime":"PT45M","totalTime":"PT01H10M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Cauliflower-Gratin_EXPS_TOHD24_249724_PerrySantanachote_7.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Side Dishes"],"description":"This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. \u2014 Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio","recipeIngredient":["1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets","2 tablespoons olive oil","1 teaspoon salt, divided","1 teaspoon pepper, divided","4 tablespoons butter, cubed","3 tablespoons all-purpose flour","2 cups 2% milk","1 cup shredded Swiss cheese","1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese","1\/2 teaspoon onion powder","1\/2 teaspoon ground mustard","1\/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce","1\/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper","Chopped fresh thyme, optional"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Roast the cauliflower","text":"Place cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast in a 375\u00b0F oven for eight minutes, stir and continue cooking until crisp-tender and lightly browned, seven to eight minutes more.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cauliflower-Gratin_TOHD24_249724_PerrySantanachote_1.jpg?resize=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the roux","text":"In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly and cook until thickened, two to three minutes. Remove from heat.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cauliflower-Gratin_TOHD24_249724_PerrySantanachote_2.jpg?resize=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add cheese and spices","text":"Stir in the Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper and remaining 1\/2 teaspoon salt and pepper until smooth. Test Kitchen Tip: This recipe is best with fresh shredded Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese will make the texture grainy.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cauliflower-Gratin_TOHD24_249724_PerrySantanachote_3.jpg?resize=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Bake au gratin","text":"Pour 3\/4 cup of the cheese sauce into a greased two-quart baking dish. Top with cauliflower and the remaining cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly and lightly browned, for 30 to 35 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cauliflower-Gratin_TOHD24_249724_PerrySantanachote_4.jpg?resize=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"8 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Perry Santanachote"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 196 calories","fatContent":"14g fat (7g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"34mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"291mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"11g carbohydrate (5g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"9g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4,"reviewCount":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2023-06-01","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Stacy936"},"reviewBody":" This was similar to eating macaroni and cheese but healthier. We enjoyed the Swiss and parmesan flavors as a great alternative to the traditional cheddar cheese. There will definitely be a next time - and I'll add broccoli. <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2025-06-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Vicki467"},"reviewBody":" There is a video posted by Jacki Ricci, Ely, Nevada for Cauliflower Au Gratin showing cubed ham and garlic cooking in butter attached to this recipe. When you click on the \"Get This Recipe\" option it takes you to this Au Gratin recipe submitted by Mary Zinchiak. (no ham or garlic in hers) No recipe for Jacki Ricci's version that I could find. A glitch somewhere !! I can't rate this yet but it sounds good.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-12-20","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"lshaw"},"reviewBody":"The superb homemade cheese sauce really made this dish stand out! Excellent flavor, restaurant quality. Cauliflower is accepted, but not a hands-down favorite veggie in our house (3 out of 4 are male), but everyone gave their compliments when this was served. I did put fresh thyme from my herb garden on the top. I'm keeping this one, making a recipe card from the magazine page, and WILL make it again. Thanks Mary!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-01-23","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ReneeMurby"},"reviewBody":"I really enjoyed the taste of baking the cauliflower rather than boiling it. I will try this one again but use a little less cheese sauce.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"249724","romance_copy_dek":"This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! 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Bake: 45 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":8,"MaximumServingQuantity":8,"Yield":"8 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Cauliflower Gratin","SubmittedTitle":"Cauliflower Au Gratin","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4,"WebPublishedDate":"8\/19\/2020 6:45:45 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHDJ21_249724_E07_29_5b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":25,"CookTimeInMinutes":45,"TotalTimeInMinutes":70,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":true,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Cauliflower au Gratin","OriginalSourceProject":"Cauliflower au Gratin","ContestPlacement":"2nd Place","Trailer":"Perry Santanachote for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Make the roux<\/h3>\n
Perry Santanachote for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Add cheese and spices<\/h3>\n
Perry Santanachote for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 4: Bake au gratin<\/h3>\n
Perry Santanachote for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Perry Santanachote for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store the Recipe<\/h2>\n
Can I make cauliflower au gratin ahead of time?<\/h3>\n
Recipe Tips<\/h2>\n
Perry Santanachote for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Can I use frozen cauliflower for au gratin?<\/h3>\n
What can I serve with cauliflower au gratin?<\/h3>\n
Can I substitute plant-based milk for regular milk in this recipe?<\/h3>\n
Test Kitchen tips<\/b>\r\n
Test Kitchen tips<\/b>