I am always on the lookout for tasty vegetable side dishes to break up our usual routine.
This Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin is fantastic — rich, flavorful, and a great way to get even picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables. What’s not to love about tender cauliflower nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping?
I first found the idea from Audra at The Baker Chick and adjusted a few ingredients and quantities to suit my taste. The result was a hit — everyone finished their portion and asked for seconds. It’s one of those side dishes we’ll make again and again.
Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Recipe Type: Side Dish
Author: Nikki
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower gratin that’s flavorful and satisfying — perfect for serving alongside weeknight dinners or at holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 8 to 10 cups cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/8 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy. Fold the cauliflower (and cooked bacon, if using) into the cheese sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Mix the panko and Italian breadcrumbs, then sprinkle them evenly over the top of the gratin.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Recipe adapted from The Baker Chick; quantities adjusted to personal preference. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cream cheese, or omit the bacon for a vegetarian option.
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Enjoy!