About
Mmmm, Creamy Cauliflower Bake! Just sounds heavenly, doesn't it? Mild, tender cauliflower swimming in a rich, buttery cream sauce with notes of garlic all come together to create a veggie dream, the pinnacle of vegetarian cooking! Plus, there's a cheesy, crunchy breadcrumb topping! How could anyone say no to Creamy Cauliflower Bake? We certainly can't resist a second helping!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated, divided
- water, to taste
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped, plus more, whole sprigs, to taste, for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, plus more, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- kosher salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2 -In a small bowl, add the olive oil, the breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of the parmesan and toss to combine.
Step 3 -In a large pot, add just enough water so it will not reach the bottom of a steamer basket.
Step 4 -Bring the water in the pot to a boil.
Step 5 -In a steamer basket, add the cauliflower and place the basket over boiling water.
Step 6 -Cover the pot and steam the cauliflower until it is crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 7 -Drain the cauliflower.
Step 8 -In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 9 -Add the garlic and the shallots to the melted butter and cook, while stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 10 -Add the flour and 2 teaspoons of the thyme to the butter mixture and cook, while whisking, until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Step 11 -Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of the milk, the heavy cream, and the Dijon to the butter and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated and slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the extra milk, as needed, if the mixture is too thick.
Step 12 -Season the cream mixture with the salt and the pepper.
Step 13 -Add the cauliflower, the mozzarella, and the remaining parmesan into the cream mixture and stir until the cheeses have melted, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 14 -Sprinkle the cauliflower mixture with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 15 -Bake until golden-brown and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 16 -Serve garnished with the extra thyme sprigs.
