A delightful twist on the classic cauliflower bake, this recipe combines creamy cheese sauce with a crunchy topping for a satisfying side dish.
Steam the cauliflower florets until tender.
Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets for uniform cooking.
Prepare a cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk while stirring until thickened.
Stir constantly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling.
Place the steamed cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it evenly.
Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained before adding to the dish.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden and bubbly.
For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
Serve the gratin warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Let the gratin cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
