Shelly's Recipe

Cauliflower Gratin

Category: Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower, outer leaves removed, broken into large florets
1 3/4 cups whole milk
3 tbsp butter
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 cup bread crumbs

1 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and boil for 7 minutes, or until almost tender. Drain, rinse well under cold water, and drain again. Arrange cauliflower in an ovenproof serving dish. Position the broiler rack about 8 in (20 cm) from the source of heat and preheat the broiler.

2 To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and mustard and cook without browning for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk. Return to the stovetop and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking often. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened and no flour taste remains, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add 3/4 cup of the Cheddar cheese, and whisk until melted. Season with salt and pepper and pour over the cauliflower.

3 Toss the remaining cheese with the bread crumbs and sprinkle over the cauliflower. Place the dish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the crumbs are golden. Serve hot from the dish.