Creamy Cauliflower Gratin

Creamy Cauliflower Gratin – Easy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort, this Creamy Cauliflower Gratin deserves a spot on your table. This elevated classic combines tender cauliflower with a velvety cheese sauce made from fontina and Parmesan, then bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or planning a simple weeknight meal, this creamy gratin will complement almost any main dish—and it tastes like something straight out of a chef’s kitchen.

As someone who has tested this recipe for both home cooks and guests shopping at a supermarket, I can say it consistently earns rave reviews for its flavor and simplicity. With accessible ingredients you can pick up at a grocery store, this gratin is ideal for anyone craving comfort food with a refined twist.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes

• Cook Time: 25 Minutes

• Total Time: 40 Minutes

• Servings: 6
  
  

Ingredients for Cauliflower Gratin

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets

• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
  
  

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 ½ cups shredded fontina cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  
  

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan

• ½ cup fresh chopped Italian parsley

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

Optional Additions & Variations:

• ¼ tsp nutmeg – Adds warmth.

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard – Boosts the cheese flavor.

• 1 cup breadcrumbs – For a crispier surface.

• ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon – Adds smoky richness.
  
  

How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Gratin

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a large casserole dish with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Par-Cook the Cauliflower

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain well, return to the warm pot, and allow excess moisture to evaporate. Pat dry to ensure the gratin stays creamy, not watery.

Step 3: Make the Roux-Based Cheese Sauce

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream and continue stirring until thickened.

Step 4: Add the Fontina Cheese

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded fontina until smooth and fully melted.

Step 5: Assemble the Gratin

Place the cauliflower into the prepared dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and finish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.

Tips for a Perfect Cauliflower Gratin

• For bold flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce.
  

• To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
  

• Assemble the gratin a day ahead and bake just before serving.
  

• Par-cooking the cauliflower ensures a tender but not mushy texture.
  
  

Are you looking for additional ways to savor cauliflower?  For a quick, tasty, and low-carb main meal alternative, try our Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

• With Protein: Pair with roast chicken, grilled steak, or seared salmon from a trusted butcher shop.
  

• With Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread, dinner rolls, or warm baguette from a local mediterranean grocery store.
  

• With Salad: A bright lemony salad balances the creamy richness.
  

• Holiday Favorite: This gratin shines at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings.
  
  

If you love exploring vegetable-forward dishes from an ethnic grocery store, this gratin pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or grain bowls.

Weekly Offers at Super King Market

Planning your meals just got easier with the rotating weekly discounts at Super King Market. Whether you’re stocking up on cheese, cauliflower, or pantry essentials, you’ll find exceptional value every week. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up fresh herbs, specialty cheeses, and seasonal vegetables while enjoying unbeatable deals at a supermarket near you known for quality and variety.

FAQs

Can I substitute fontina with another cheese?

Yes, you can swap fontina with Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella. These options melt beautifully and can easily be found at a grocery store near you offering a wide cheese selection.

Can this gratin be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when needed. This makes weekday cooking easier when using ingredients from a convenient fresh produce near you.

Is this dish suitable for low-carb or keto diets?

Yes, since cauliflower replaces potatoes, it fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. Many shoppers following keto diets appreciate how easy it is to source quality cauliflower at an international supermarket.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and opt for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. These swaps are increasingly accessible through grocery delivery services.

Can I freeze this cauliflower gratin?

Yes. After baking, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. This method is ideal for batch cooking after visiting a supermarket near me that offers bulk produce.

Can I add additional vegetables?

Definitely. Broccoli, spinach, or roasted carrots make excellent additions. Choose vegetables that are prepped and ready from a reliable fresh produce section for best results.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cauliflower Gratin is a dependable, flavorful side dish that brings comfort and elegance to any meal. With its velvety cheese sauce and perfectly tender cauliflower, it’s a recipe you can rely on for weeknight dinners, holiday celebrations, or special gatherings. Whether you're picking up ingredients from an international supermarket or shopping at your local neighborhood Super King Market, this gratin delivers consistent results every time. Enjoy it alongside your favorite proteins, fresh salads, or artisan breads for a complete and satisfying dish.