Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

This is a Lighter Cauliflower Gratin compared to other recipes out there. But still creamy and with a crispy top, thanks to panko and parmesan cheese!

I think I've never talked about this here, but I am on a constant struggle to lose weight, so anytime I can make a recipe lighter, I go for it, specially when it's possible to keep the same taste. And here is the case! If you reduce the amount of butter, flour and cheese compared to what most recipes use, you can still have a delicious side dish (or even a main dish), but leaner and healthier.

Some information about this Lighter Cauliflower Gratin recipe

• This recipe will give you about 6-9 side servings or 3-4 main servings.
• I used 2 cauliflowers, but you can easily cut ingredients in half.
• You can use either chicken stock or a chicken bouillon cube and water.
• Don't worry if you don't have panko, regular breadcrums will work just fine.
• To reduce calories feel free to use low fat milk and cheese.

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Cauliflower Gratin

A lighter version of a cauliflower gratin

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken stock you can substitute for 2 cups water + 1 bouillon stock cube
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1.8lb (800gr) cauliflower cut into small florets
• salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 tbsp butter melted
• 1/2 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 180C/350F. In a bowl mix topping ingredients and set aside.
• In a large pot over medium heat melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add flour and and stir constantly for a few seconds.
• Pour 1/2 cup of milk. Once fully incorporated, pour another 1/2 cup. When it begins boiling and it's completely incorporated add remaining milk and chicken stock. Cook for about 5 minutes, whisking from time to time. Turn off heat, add cheese and stir. Check for salt and pepper (optional). Add cauliflower and mix well. Place mixture in a baking dish.
• Mix topping ingredients. Sprinkle topping and cover baking dish with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.