Cauliflower Gratin Recipe With Smoked Gruyere & Dijon Croutons by Jan Mostrom

Cauliflower seems to be having a moment! More and more cauliflower recipes are celebrating this versatile vegetable that is high in vitamins C and K and many other healthy nutrients (read about the health benefits of cauliflower).

I love this cauliflower gratin recipe with smoked Gruyere and Dijon croutons that substitutes cauliflower instead of the more starchy potato, without losing any taste! Gruyere is a lovely cheese to combine with the creamy cauliflower but, if you prefer, you can choose your favorite cheese for this creamy vegetable side dish.

To make this cheesy cauliflower gratin recipe you will need fresh cauliflower, butter, flour, milk, smoked Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, sourdough bread, Dijon mustard and optional fresh thyme for serving.

This baked cauliflower goes so well as a side dish with your favorite chicken, pork, lamb, beef and even seafood recipes.

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated smoked Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 3 cups sourdough bread pieces, cut or torn
• 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• fresh thyme, for serving (optional)

Helpful Products

• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Skillet
• Salt and Pepper
• Baking Dishes
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Airtight Containers
• 13x9-inch Baking Pan
• Pepper Grinder

Recipe Notes

• I used whole milk for this recipe.

• If you don’t have sourdough, you can use another dense bread for the croutons.

• If you can’t find smoked Gruyere, regular Gruyere works just fine.

• To make this gluten-free, just substitute the sourdough for a gluten-free bread variety.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Put the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with a couple of inches of water in the bottom. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain.
   
2. Put the cauliflower into a 13x9-inch baking pan (or similar size casserole dish) that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
   
3. Turn the stove on medium and melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux. Keep stirring for 2 minutes and then gradually add milk while continuing to whisk. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often while the roux thickens. Turn stove heat to low and add the Parmesan and 1 cup of the Gruyere. Stir, allowing the cheese to melt. Add a bit of salt, black pepper and the nutmeg. Pour the milk and cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
   
4. To make the Dijon croutons, heat a skillet on medium heat with 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the Dijon.
   
   
5. When the butter has melted, stir well and then add the bread pieces. Mix well to coat the bread with the mixture.
   
6. Pour the bread on top of the cauliflower.
   
7. Bake for 35 minutes in a preheated 400-degree F oven until the croutons are brown and cauliflower mixture is bubbly.
   
8. Top with fresh thyme and more cheese, if desired.
   
9. Serve warm with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
   

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 330

Total Fat: 14.2g

Saturated Fat: 8.3g

Cholesterol: 41mg

Sodium: 456mg

Total Carbohydrate: 36.1g

Dietary Fiber: 2.4g

Total Sugars: 3.9g

Protein: 14.2g

Vitamin D: 4mcg

Calcium: 287mg

Iron: 2mg

Potassium: 162mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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