This Cauliflower Gratin Casserole has the right stuff. Made to be rich; this dish is filled with cheese and cream. Some might think of it as mac and cheese, except cauliflower replaces the mac. Reminds me of a steakhouse side dish-where often times you want the side dish more than the steak!
With Passover and Easter behind us, it is always fun to reminisce.
I loved having my folks here even though they almost froze to death in our 70 degree house.
Zoe always brightens my day and I still wish she lived near by. Perhaps Alex could heed that message, too?
Passover found me cooking a few new dishes, such as a boneless leg of lamb that everyone tells me now beats out my brisket.
I am not a meat eater, but it seems I still have the knack.
The lamb was a great, very simple, dish topped with my famous chimichurri, (perfect for Spring), and lamb is less expensive than brisket.
The mandoline sliced potatoes that the lamb dripped on, were also blue ribbon winners and even I had a taste of those.
You know I love potatoes and these were outstanding, laden with onions and garlic and wine; we didn't have but a bite of leftovers.
Isn't it awful to tell you about such good food and not supply the recipes? If you must have them, let me know, and I will get them to you!
Passover also found us in the plumbing department again, when my helper who was way better than last year's-remember the guy who didn't know how to wash a dish and told me he wasn't feeling well, because he had gas?
Well, thanks to Jeff at Bartenders and More, we had a great clean up.
I was a bit agitated when he told me we had a slight problem in the dirty dish filled kitchen.
Well, slight was a bit of an understatement - but Manservant quickly came to the rescue when the hose on the sink broke, sending water over the counters, instead of on the dishes.
Luckily it was a quick slicing off of the hose nozzle, and a bit of gorilla tape, that allowed Jeff to keep washing.
I did end up with a clean kitchen and Manservant ended up with having to buy and install a new faucet the next day.
And then it was just this past Monday-thank goodness after everyone had departed-my folks to Phoenix, and Zoe for Hong Kong, where she will work for the next three months, when Manservant woke up and there was no hot water in the house.
Yes, we knew our water heater had outlived its life-over 30 years old, this AO Smith heater had finally decided to conk.
Ah well, she was good to us. So yes, this meant scrambling to figure out heaters and how to pay for one.
I learned more than I wanted about water heaters and plumbers, since I really didn't want Manservant to attempt this- BUT- he would have.
And yes, as of this moment, I do have hot water and a shower sounds pretty good, because ice cold towel baths are not so fun in the spring.
By my reckoning, for those who think things happen in threes, this is three, if I include the shower grouting, right?
But enough about my plumbing and back to food.
Zoe requested a big steak dinner before leaving but my folks wanted Chinese, which she nixed - because after all she will be eating Chinese food for three months; though she could afford steak every night in HK with the budget they gave her, I know my girl and that won't be the case.
We did try, Yardbird, a new restaurant on Pearl Street, no not Chinese but good comfort food, where actually this cauliflower gratin would feel quite at home.
Still thinking of Chinese, Sunday night found Manservant and friends at Little Chengdu, which like totally speaks Chinese.
Can't wait to go back; it reminded me of China so much, but there were napkins on the table and no trash cans next to it!!
Be different and ask for the Chinese menu and don't expect anyone to understand you.
We didn't try the hot pots, but did get the Sichuan dumplings with chili sauce and the chili shredded potatoes-oh my-can't wait to get back.
Damn, the eggplant was outstanding too! THANKS, @Laura Shunk!
But back to steak dinners. I don't eat steak, but I am always happy to make those around me smile.
I made the requisite sauteed mushrooms and did a great Caesar wedge salad.
I even made crab cakes with my favorite remoulade sauce, so I would have something to eat, and Manservant could say he had surf and turf.
Thinking of the steak houses with massive side dishes, that I prefer over THE steak, had me coming up with this cauliflower gratin.
It seemed we had had enough of potatoes and though Zoe requested pasta-fettucine Alfredo, to be exact, I nixed that and went with cauliflower.
I'm so glad I did. I've been munching it all week and was so happy with this veggie dish.
Thinking also that Easter is commonly a meal where ham is served, I do believe those leftovers would work perfectly in this dish-just sayin'!
Chop some up and throw it in, if you are so inclined.
For that matter bits of crumbled, crisp bacon would work great, too, but I was happy with simple delish!
However you want it, this cauliflower gratin is a keeper-steak dinner or not. And now I'm off to the shower!
More to try!
Recipe
Cauliflower Gratin Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45- 60 Minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 - 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cauliflower Gratin Casserole has the right stuff. Made to be rich; this dish is filled with cheese and cream. Some might think of it as mac and cheese, except cauliflower replaces the macaroni. Reminds me of a steakhouse side dish-where often times you want the side dish more than the steak!
Ingredients
- 1 blanched, cooked slightly undercooked large head of cauliflower
- 1 c heavy cream
- ½ c half and half
- 1 T Worcestershire sauce
- 1 T dry white wine
- 1 heaping c shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 heaping c shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 t fresh ground black pepper
- ½ to ¾ t salt
- ¼ t sugar
- 1 t onion powder
- 1 t garlic powder
- ⅓ c mayonnaise
- 4 green onions, chopped, reserving a few for garnish
- 1 c Panko crumbs
- Cooked Bacon or Ham (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375. Spray a 9" skillet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl combine all the ingredients, except the cauliflower. When everything is well mixed, stir in the lightly cooked cauliflower. Spoon into the baking dish and sprinkle well with Panko bread crumbs.
Bake until casserole is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden. You may have to run it under the broiler to brown it. Bake for 45-60 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving, lightly tented with foil.
If made in a freezer proof dish, this may be frozen for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake according to above instructions.
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Sippity Sup says
I think memories were made! GREG
All That I'm Eating says
This looks great, I love the idea of it being a casserole and a gratin!
Denise Browning says
I am a fan of gratins. They are easy to put together and always turns into a delicious meal. I gotta try yours with cauliflower.
Pam says
Mercy, that was quite an adventurous time for you and yours! Our 30+ years water heater just died too, they sure are costly now compared to back then! 🙂 Anyway, your Passover food sounds great and I love this cauliflower. Good luck with your household, Abbe! Take care
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
Wow, you have had your share of misadventure, Abbe! Hope all goes smoothly for the rest of the year 😉 I love cauliflower and all cruciferous veggies and will pin this for an upcoming family dinner!
Zaza says
This looks like such a delicious way to eat cauliflower! Thanks for sharing!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
Wow- you've had a lot going on lately! Looking forward to catching up soon.
Michaela Kenkel says
This is perfect in every way!! Pinned to try for myself!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Oh goodness so sorry about strike 3 with the water heater but maybe you are done now... now on to that delicious casserole. Boys not too happy about this vegetable but I think you have done some major camouflage and bacon crumbles on top would be a must. So back to HK Zoe goes. Good for her. Great opportunity. Our eldest is there as well.
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, oh I always love reading about your escapades, sounds like never a dull moment at your home. I'm all about the sides too and this gratin sounds amazing.
Yi says
I've definitely been to steak restaurants where the sides outshine the steaks or seafood restaurants where steaks tasted better than the fish of the day. Glad you enjoyed the food from the Sichuan restaurant. I love both chili oil dumplings and shredded potatoes (in fact just shared a recipe on my blog but not the spicy version though)! Have a great weekend!
Pamela @BrooklynFarmGirl says
This is perfect for lunch/dinner! It looks delicious!
Chris Scheuer says
Yum, what a fun and delicious looking side dish. I would probably serve it on it's own and call it dinner!
Julie says
This recipe looks amazing! I'm always looking for new cauliflower recipes. Wow Hong Kong, what an amazing life experience. I've never been there but would love to visit.
Moore or Less Cooking Food Blog says
I need this on my menu for next week, I love cauliflower so much! Nettie
Christine's Pantry says
Love this!
Juliana says
Wow Abbe...so much happening...and this cauliflower gratin might indeed brings some calm...it sounds and looks delicious...I love the rich and creamy sauce.
Tricia Buice says
What a holiday adventure you had! So glad Zoe was there before her big trip to Hong Kong. I do enjoy a good steak every once in a while but could completely devour this cauliflower skillet! Sounds great, looks great and I bet it is great. Sorry about the plumbing issues. Glad your husband was home to help!
Doreen Simpson says
I've got a cauliflower in fridge right now, I think that's dinner sorted for tomorrow 3
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
Yikes! Plumbing issues are such a pain. I'm glad you had a good holiday other than that though! This gratin looks divine. I love cauliflower and you can't really go wrong adding plenty of cheese and cream!
Lea Ann (Cooking on the Ranch) says
This is one of those things I wouldn't be able to stop eating. Pinned.
Patricia Stagich says
Looks delicious Abbe. Just started a new board on Pinterest for cast iron cooking. Adding this one!
Liz Berg says
Oh, boy, lots happening at YOUR house!! I remember when our first hot water heater died nearly 20 years ago. I was shocked at what one of these babies cost. And I wont' regale you with our other plumbing issues through the years---but we did have a pipe come apart IN the wall and rain down 3 stories! I feel your pain. LOVED this gratin and need to check out all your delicious links! xo
Angie Schneider says
Cheese and cream..I bet even cauliflower hater would love this casserole too.
Gerlinde de Broekert says
It sounds like you had a wonderful Passover celebration with your family and serving them some delicious food. Having plumbing problems is no fun even when there are no visitors. Your cauliflower gratin looks yummy.
Lynn Vining says
Sounds delicious and very interesting!
Kitchen Riffs says
Fun read! Although you've had a rather eventful life lately. So you need comfort food -- like this wonderful gratin. Love this sort of dish -- looks great, and I'll bet the flavor is awesome. Thanks!