This cauliflower gratin is the perfect cozy side dish that goes with just about anything! Made with smoked gruyere cheese and crunchy dijon breadcrumbs, it’s savory and decadent and delicious. It’s side dish city over here! I’m all about finding the best sides to go with holiday meals, so today I’m coming at you with […]
The post Smoked Gruyere Cauliflower Gratin with Dijon Breadcrumbs. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
This cauliflower gratin is the perfect cozy side dish that goes with just about anything! Made with smoked gruyere cheese and crunchy dijon breadcrumbs, it’s savory and decadent and delicious.
It’s side dish city over here!
I’m all about finding the best sides to go with holiday meals, so today I’m coming at you with the creamiest, most delicious cauliflower gratin.
This cauliflower gratin is made with smoked gruyere cheese, some parmesan, a little nutmeg and topped with dijon mustardy croutons. Baked until golden and crunchy on top, it’s almost like cauliflower in mac and cheese sauce.
Dreamy!!
This cauliflower gratin is always the star of the show. It’s unbelievably delicious. It’s ridiculously cheesy. And the breadcrumbs on top!!
OH my word.
I use the same breadcrumbs that I do in my cauliflower white bean soup. Just toasty sourdough crumbs mixed with melted butter and dijon mustard. They are buttery and tangy from the mustard. They are the perfect crunchy topping and when you get a bite of the cauliflower with the breadcrumb bits, it’s heaven.
This is how I make it!
First, the cauliflower has to soften a bit. I like to do this in the microwave because it’s so easy. I cut the head of cauliflower into florets and place them in a bowl. Then, I add a splash of water, cover the bowl and microwave for a few minutes to steam the cauliflower.
The is key! This is the only way that your cauliflower will be tender enough. Otherwise, it will not cook and be tender if it’s simply roasted with the sauce. Make sure to steam it first.
Next comes the smoky gruyere sauce. My oh my how I love smoked gruyere cheese. It’s divine! I start this by making a roux with butter and flour. Then I stream in the milk. Cheese is up next! Add it with the pot over very low heat. I sprinkle in a little parmesan as well as a few delicious grates of fresh nutmeg.
Time to combine! The steamed cauliflower florets go into a baking dish. The cheese sauce is poured on top. Then comes the mustardy breadcrumbs.
Gosh I love this part. I tear apart a few pieces of sourdough bread, then toast them in a skillet with dijon and butter. Those go on top of the cauliflower as well as some extra cheese too!
Into the oven it goes. This takes around 30 minutes. It’s mouth-wateringly incredible and you’ll want to eat it with a spoon right out of the baking dish!
Not to mention, it goes with just about every main entree you can think of!
Who knew vegetables could be so wonderful!! (more…)
The post Smoked Gruyere Cauliflower Gratin with Dijon Breadcrumbs. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.