This classic Cauliflower Au Gratin transforms simple vegetable florets into a luxurious, comforting side dish. The cauliflower is simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce thickened with flour and infused with minced garlic and a hint of cayenne for warmth. Chopped cooked ham adds a savory depth and satisfying texture, while a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese creates a bubbly, golden-brown crust under the broiler. ItâÂÂs the perfect balance of creamy richness and crisp-tender vegetables. Ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any evening you want to elevate a simple weeknight meal. Serve it alongside roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian-friendly main (omit ham) for a dish everyone will love.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Description
This classic Cauliflower Au Gratin transforms simple vegetable florets into a luxurious, comforting side dish. The cauliflower is simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce thickened with flour and infused with minced garlic and a hint of cayenne for warmth. Chopped cooked ham adds a savory depth and satisfying texture, while a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese creates a bubbly, golden-brown crust under the broiler. ItâÂÂs the perfect balance of creamy richness and crisp-tender vegetables. Ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any evening you want to elevate a simple weeknight meal. Serve it alongside roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian-friendly main (omit ham) for a dish everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the broiler and position the rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
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Break the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they are roughly 1 1/2 inches in size for even cooking.
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Shred the Swiss cheese and chop the fresh parsley, setting them aside for later use.
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and chopped ham to the skillet, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whipping cream until smooth.
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Pour the flour and cream mixture into the skillet with the cauliflower and ham.
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Stir constantly and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly, about 2 minutes.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
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Pour the creamy cauliflower mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
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Place the dish under the preheated broiler until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, watching closely for 2-4 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
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Serve hot as a main course or side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 359.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.4g30%
- Saturated Fat 6.2g31%
- Cholesterol 48.0mg16%
- Sodium 1545.1mg65%
- Total Carbohydrate 17.8g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 1.6g
- Protein 28.3g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.