Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin

The Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin is the kind of dish that you crave on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I made it—it was one of those days when the weather outside was frightful, but inside my kitchen, warmth and delicious aromas filled the air. I had just brought home some fresh cauliflower from the farmer’s market, and the idea of turning it into a creamy gratin with tangy goat cheese seemed like the perfect remedy for the cold. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, making it a wonderful addition to both casual dinners and special occasions. The moment you take that first bite, the rich flavors meld together, and the creamy cheese envelops the tender cauliflower. I can hardly think of a better way to enjoy a winter night than with this delightful dish!

What You’ll Need for Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin

For this scrumptious Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin, you’ll find that the ingredients are both straightforward and delightful. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a look at these key players:

• Unsalted Butter: The base of your sauce, providing richness and flavor.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the gratin, making it luscious.
• All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it body.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a mild, creamy flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Brings a tangy, sophisticated touch to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp contrast and a golden finish.
• Cauliflower: The star of the show, offering texture and health benefits.
• Chives: Adds freshness and a hint of onion flavor.
• Lemon: A secret weapon to balance flavors and brighten up the dish.

How to Assemble Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin

Making the Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin is a rewarding experience that’s as satisfying as the final dish. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to this creamy masterpiece. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something so flavorful!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. While that’s warming up, take a 10-inch gratin baking dish and butter it generously. This will help achieve a beautifully golden crust and prevent sticking.

2. Next, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the lemon wedges to the water, which will help eliminate any unpleasant aromas from the cooking cauliflower. Once the water is boiling, add the cauliflower florets.

3. Cook the cauliflower for about three minutes. After this time, use a knife to check for doneness; it should feel firm but slightly tender on the outside. Drain and set the cauliflower aside in a large mixing bowl.

4. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the unbleached all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about one minute. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.

5. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles slightly. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from the heat.

6. Stir in the grated Monterey Jack cheese until it melts and incorporates smoothly into the sauce. Then, add three-quarters of the goat cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, along with the chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Pour this cheesy mixture over the cauliflower in the mixing bowl, ensuring that every floret is well-coated. Gently stir to combine and transfer everything to the prepared gratin dish.

8. Spread the remaining goat cheese and Parmesan cheese on top, creating a nice layer that will become beautifully golden in the oven.

9. To catch any spills, place the gratin dish on a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the cauliflower is tender and the top is bubbling and golden brown, which should take about 30 to 35 minutes.

10. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes serving much easier.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Before you dive in, here are some pro tips to help you nail the Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the gratin before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Pairing: This gratin pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted chicken for a complete meal.
• Seasonal Variations: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a twist on the classic recipe.
• Cooking Tips: When adding salt and pepper, remember to taste as you go. This ensures the flavors are just right!

Serving Options for Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin

When it comes to serving the Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin, the options are plentiful. Here’s how to make the most of this delectable dish:

• As a Side Dish: It pairs beautifully alongside roasted meats, such as chicken, turkey, or lamb, making it a great addition to your dinner table.
• For a Cozy Dinner: Serve it as a main dish alongside a light salad, perfect for a comforting evening at home.
• Festive Gatherings: Impress your guests by serving this gratin as part of a festive holiday spread. It complements any holiday menu beautifully.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed the next day. Just reheat gently in the oven.
• Seasonal Pairings: The gratin shines in winter months, but you can serve it anytime by pairing it with seasonal vegetables or salads.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for cozy winter nights or festive gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try—you won’t be disappointed! Dive into this flavorful gratin and enjoy the indulgence it brings to your meal.

Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin

The ultimate comfort food, Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for warming up on chilly evenings. Make it tonight for a dish that will leave everyone craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Blender
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter plus more for greasing the dish
• 3 cups Whole Milk at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 1.5 cups Monterey Jack Cheese grated
• 6 ounces Goat Cheese cut into small pieces
• 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese grated
• 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Chives chopped finely
• 1 Lemon sliced, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350℉ and butter a 10-inch gratin baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the lemon wedges.
• Add the cauliflower to the boiling water and bring back to a boil. After 3 minutes, check the florets for doneness; they should be slightly soft.
• Drain and set aside the cauliflower in a large mixing bowl.
• In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Stir to blend and cook for one minute.
• Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture has thickened. Remove from the heat once it has thickened.
• Add the Monterey Jack cheese, and incorporate it well. Then add 3/4 of the goat cheese and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese along with the chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour over the cauliflower and stir well until all the florets are covered with the sauce.
• Transfer the mixture into the buttered gratin dish. Spread the rest of the goat cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Place the gratin dish on a cookie sheet and bake until the cauliflower is tender and the top is golden brown.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Tip 1: To remove the smell of cauliflower, squeeze a teaspoon of lemon in the boiling water or add lemon slices.
• Tip 2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Tip 3: When reheating, cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300F until warm, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Keyword Cauliflower Gratin, Cheesy Cauliflower Dish, Goat Cheese Recipes, winter comfort food

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.