Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with Gruyère is a delightful twist on traditional gratin, perfect for Thanksgiving or any comforting dinner. This dish combines tender cauliflower florets with a luscious Gruyère cheese sauce, making it a favorite among cheese lovers. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a go-to side dish that complements any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this gratin is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with
This creamy cauliflower gratin with Gruyère cheese offers a variety of reasons to love it. Firstly, its rich flavor makes it a standout side dish at any gathering. Secondly, it’s an easy creamy cauliflower gratin dish that you can whip up in just 40 minutes. Thirdly, it’s a low-carb creamy cauliflower gratin option, a great alternative for those watching their carb intake. Additionally, the dish can be made gluten-free by substituting flour with cornstarch. With its cheesy goodness, it also serves as a fantastic cheesy cauliflower bake that pairs well with different proteins.

Ingredients for Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with
Gather these items:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Step 5: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese until melted.
- Step 6: Place cauliflower in a baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over it.
- Step 7: Sprinkle remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture.
- Make sure your cheese is freshly grated for optimal melting.
- For a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with herbs.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with
This creamy cauliflower gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Serve it alongside your turkey for a classic feast, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian option. Additionally, consider offering a side salad to balance the richness of the gratin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with
What is creamy cauliflower gratin?
Creamy cauliflower gratin is a baked dish featuring tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, often topped with additional cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s a comforting side dish that elevates any meal.
How to prepare creamy cauliflower gratin?
To prepare creamy cauliflower gratin, steam cauliflower until tender, make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in heavy cream and cheese, then combine with the cauliflower before baking. It’s simple yet rewarding!
Can I make a vegan creamy cauliflower gratin recipe?
Yes, by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and using plant-based cheese, you can easily create a vegan version of this gratin. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Variations of Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with You Can Try
There are numerous ways to customize your creamy cauliflower gratin. Consider making a gluten-free cauliflower gratin by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch. You can also create a cauliflower gratin with breadcrumbs for added texture or a cheesy twist by adding different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile even further.
For more delicious recipes, check out Holiday Roasted Vegetables or Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, visit Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet for inspiration.
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Best Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with Gruyère for Thanksgiving
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy cauliflower gratin with Gruyère cheese, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese until melted.
- Place cauliflower in a baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over it.
- Sprinkle remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
