Roasted Cauliflower and Smoked Gouda Gratin
(from Lucianolinda’s recipe box)
Source: Delta Express-Season Stepp
Categories: Vegetables-cauliflower
Ingredients
- 3 heads cauliflower, broken into florets
- olive oil
- 4 strips bacon, diced
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Béchamel Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese, divided
- Béchamel sauce
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- 3 cups milk
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or aluminum foil.
- Spread the cauliflower onto the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
- Place in the oven and roast until tender and golden brown, turning once about halfway through cooking.
- Meanwhile, spread the bacon in the bottom of a sauce pan and place over medium heat. Cook undisturbed until the bacon is browned on the bottom, about 10-15 minute, before stirring. When cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove from the pan and in a small bowl, combine the bacon with the panko bread crumbs. Set aside.
- When the cauliflower is slightly tender and golden brown, transfer to a mixing bowl, add béchamel sauce and half the Gouda cheese. Place in the oven and bake until golden and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When the butter melts and begins to foam add the flour. Whisk until the flour loses its raw smell, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the milk 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly allowing the milk to thicken before adding more.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.