Cauliflower au gratin features roasted cauliflower and broccoli smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a simple and delicious crumb topping. This savory casserole is quick and easy to prepare, and it contains no canned soup. You can customize it by using just cauliflower or just broccoli, depending on your preference.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/4 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Crumb Topping
- 20 Ritz crackers
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the broccoli and cauliflower in the dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 90 seconds, whisking constantly.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the roasted broccoli and cauliflower.
- In a food processor, crush the Ritz crackers. Add the oregano, onion powder, and melted butter, then pulse a couple of times. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cheese sauce.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
NOTES
- This dish can be made with just cauliflower, just broccoli, or a combination of both.
- Be sure to dry the cauliflower and broccoli florets well after washing to ensure they roast rather than steam.
- Spray your baking dish with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
- Preheat the oven and place the casserole on the middle rack.
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- If Ritz crackers aren’t your preference, you can use fresh croutons or breadcrumbs instead.
- For extra flavor, reserve some cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the cracker topping.
- You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack, to add variety.
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
- Calories: 351 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 64mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Potassium: 611mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 1177 IU
- Vitamin C: 104mg
- Calcium: 357mg
- Iron: 2mg
