Creamy Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower has never tasted so good! Well maybe it has, I have made some other pretty tasty cauliflower recipes that I enjoy but none as cheesy and creamy as this one. Plus the sauce is completely homemade and fairly easy to make.

Creamy Cauliflower Gratin

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 7-8 cups cauliflower florets, about 4 pounds cauliflower heads
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400º F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Panko and 1/4 cup of the shredded parmesan cheese.
3. In a large pot, bring about an inch of water to a boil. You do not want the water to reach the bottom of the steamer basket.
4. Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket and place the basket over the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam until the cauliflower tender, but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the steamer basket and set aside to allow any moisture to drain from the cauliflower.
5. In a large oven-safe skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter.
6. Add in the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
7. Whisk in the flour and thyme and cook, whisking constantly, until flour is lightly browned, about 1 minute.
8. Slowly whisk in the milk, heavy cream and mustard. Cook whisking constantly until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Season with black pepper.
9. If the mixture is too thick, add in a bit more milk.
10. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Stir until all of cheese has melted.
11. Add in the cauliflower and stir until well mixed.
12. Sprinkle the top of the cauliflower with the Panko mixture.
13. Place the skillet into the oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

I used a combination of low fat milk and half and half as a substitution for the whole milk.

Nutrition Facts
Serves: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318
Total Fat		23.7g
Saturated Fat		14g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.5g
Trans Fat		0.1g
Cholesterol		58.9mg
Sodium		311.7mg
Potassium		113.2mg
Total Carbohydrates		13.8g
Dietary Fiber		2.9g
Sugars		5.7g
Protein		12.5g
Vitamin A 96.23% Vitamin C 9.2%
Calcium 9.56% Iron 18.48%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Damn Delicious.