Cauliflower au Gratin

By

2004, Barefoot in Paris, All Rights Reserved

  • 4
  • 20 mins
  • 50 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 (3-pound) head cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups hot milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyere
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Cheddar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cook the trimmed cauliflower head in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture and stir until it comes to a boil. Boil, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until thickened. Off the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, the pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup of the Gruyere, and the Cheddar.

Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of an oven safe pot.8 Place the drained cauliflower on top and pour the rest of the sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.