Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin is a warm, comforting vegetable side dish made with tender cauliflower, a creamy sharp Cheddar cheese sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough for a holiday table.
If you enjoy easy cauliflower recipes, you may also like this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad or this cozy Cauliflower Soup with Ham and Cheese.
Originally posted November 3, 2007. This recipe has been refreshed with updated photos because it deserves a place back in the spotlight. The old picture did not do this creamy cauliflower gratin justice, but the recipe itself has always been a delicious and reliable side dish. It is especially nice for a holiday meal, a Sunday dinner, or any night when you want to turn simple cauliflower into something rich and satisfying.
Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that becomes completely irresistible when it is paired with cheese. In this Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin, the florets are cooked until just tender, then coated in a smooth homemade cheese sauce made with milk, butter, flour, and sharp Cheddar. A sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs on top gives the dish a light, crisp finish after it bakes.
This cauliflower gratin recipe is a great reminder that side dishes do not need to be complicated. Many dinners feel more complete with a warm vegetable side, but it can be easy to skip that extra step when the main dish already feels like enough. This recipe comes together with basic ingredients and only a little hands-on time, making it a practical option even when dinner plans are last minute.
The inspiration for this dish came from a cauliflower gratin recipe originally found on Epicurious. That version included a horseradish crumb topping, but this adaptation uses seasoned breadcrumbs instead. The result is still flavorful, simple, and family-friendly. The breadcrumbs add just enough texture without overpowering the creamy Cheddar sauce.
One of the best things about this Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin is how well it fits with different meals. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, sausage, roasted meats, or a simple weeknight main dish. It can also be served alongside other holiday favorites when you want a vegetable side that feels a little more special than plain steamed cauliflower.
The sauce starts with a basic roux, which means butter and flour are cooked together before milk is whisked in. This helps create a thick, creamy base for the cheese. Sharp Cheddar gives the gratin a stronger flavor, while scallion greens add a mild onion note and a bit of color. Once the cauliflower is mixed with the sauce, everything is baked until hot and golden on top.
If you are trying to add more vegetable side dishes to your dinner routine, this cauliflower gratin is an easy place to start. It is comforting, familiar, and full of cheesy flavor, yet it still keeps cauliflower at the center of the dish. It is the kind of side that can win over people who might not normally be excited about vegetables.
More Side Dish Recipes
Glazed Carrots
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
Slow Cooker Carrots
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Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin
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Ingredients
- 3 lb cauliflower cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 6 oz Sharp Cheddar grated
- 1/2 cup finely chopped scallion greens
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well, then transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking dish.
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While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar, scallion greens, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and gently stir to coat.
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Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake until the gratin is hot and the topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes.