Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon Bread Crumbs

Yields:
4
Prep Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Fact: The cauliflower cancels out the cheesiness—and the bacon.
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- 2 cups warm milk
- 3/4 cup grated Gruyere, divided
- 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar, divided
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 375° and butter a 9"-x-13" baking dish.
- Step 2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil cauliflower for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Step 3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add flour, and stir constantly until lightly browned, 4 minutes.
- Step 4Stir in warm milk, whisking constantly, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thick, 8 minutes. Whisk in 1/2 cup Gruyere and 1/2 cup cheddar. Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg.
- Step 5Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble and add to a small bowl with panko bread crumbs, Parmesan, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6Arrange cauliflower in buttered baking dish and pour over cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup Gruyere and ¼ cup cheddar and top with bread crumb mixture. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Step 7Bake until cheese is bubbling, 20 minutes. Increase heat to broil and broil until bread crumbs are deeply golden,1 minute. Let cool slightly, then serve.
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