Prepare to transform the humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will make even vegetable skeptics beg for seconds! This French-inspired Cheesy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin is not just a side dish - it's a creamy, golden, irresistible culinary experience that combines the crispy edges of perfectly roasted cauliflower with a luxurious blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a decadent vegetarian delight, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into uniform, bite-sized florets. Pat the florets dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the florets in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Add thyme and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a baking dish. Pour the warm cream mixture over the cauliflower, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the cauliflower, creating a generous cheese layer.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Tips
- Ensure your cauliflower florets are thoroughly dried before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
- Use a large baking sheet and spread florets in a single layer to allow proper caramelization and even roasting.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg to the cream mixture.
- Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cheese blend.
- Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top for additional texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 365kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 16g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
