Prepare to revolutionize your dinner table with a mind-blowing cauliflower dish that's about to become your new obsession! This Baked Cauliflower Gratin with Pepper Jack Cheese is not just another vegetable side dish - it's a creamy, crispy, flavor-packed experience that will have even the most committed carnivores coming back for seconds. Imagine tender cauliflower florets swimming in rich heavy cream, blanketed with melted pepper jack cheese, and crowned with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are approximately 1-
- 5 inches in size for consistent cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the cauliflower florets for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Pat the blanched cauliflower florets dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them until they turn golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Arrange the cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish in a single, even layer.
- Pour the heavy cream over the cauliflower, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese generously over the cauliflower, covering the entire surface.
- Top the cheese layer with the toasted breadcrumbs, creating a crispy and golden crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Always blanch your cauliflower before baking to ensure the perfect texture - tender but not mushy.
- Pat the cauliflower completely dry after blanching to prevent a watery gratin.
- Toast your breadcrumbs separately to guarantee maximum crispiness.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.
- Choose a high-quality pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
