Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

Cauliflower Au Gratin is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender cauliflower and broccoli florets smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with a crunchy, herbed cracker topping, it’s a delightful side perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 1/4 cups shredded white cheddar
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 20 Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and bake for 15 minutes or until they are very lightly browned.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the flour and cook for 90 seconds, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two until combined. Reduce heat to low.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and whisk frequently until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this cheese sauce evenly over the roasted broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: In a food processor, crush the Ritz crackers. Add the dried oregano, onion powder, and melted butter. Pulse a few times until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese sauce.
6. Step 6: Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is light golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or additional milk.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a hint of spice.
• Try mixing in some cooked bacon or ham for added flavor and protein.
• Use gluten-free crackers and flour to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the topping is crisp again, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use only cauliflower without broccoli?

Yes, you can use just cauliflower if you prefer. It will still be delicious and creamy without the broccoli.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers in the topping?

You can use breadcrumbs, crushed saltine crackers, or even crushed nuts for a different texture and flavor.

Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

This Cauliflower Au Gratin recipe combines tender roasted broccoli and cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy, cheesy white cheddar sauce, topped with a crunchy, seasoned Ritz cracker crust. It’s a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 1/4 cups shredded white cheddar
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste

Topping

• 20 Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and Roast Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick baking spray, then spread the broccoli and cauliflower florets evenly. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are very lightly browned and tender.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: While the vegetables roast, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 90 seconds, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two, then reduce heat to low. Add the shredded white cheddar gradually, whisking frequently until the sauce is melted, smooth, and creamy. Season with a pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine and Top: Pour the cheese sauce over the roasted broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish. In a food processor, pulse the Ritz crackers until crushed. Add the dried oregano, onion powder, and melted butter, pulsing a couple of times to combine. Sprinkle this breadcrumb topping evenly over the cheese sauce.
4. Bake to Finish: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is a light golden brown and crisp, and the sauce is bubbling.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Use reduced-fat cheddar to lower fat content.
• Make sure to whisk constantly when adding flour to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
• Roughly chopping but keeping some small chunks of broccoli and cauliflower helps retain texture.

Keywords: Cauliflower au gratin, cheesy cauliflower bake, broccoli and cauliflower casserole, comfort food side dish, creamy vegetable gratin