Cauliflower-Ham Au Gratin
A creamy cauliflower and ham gratin topped with a cheesy biscuit crumb topping, perfect for a comforting family meal or a hearty side dish with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups partially cooked cauliflower or 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen, thawed and well drained cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups chopped, fully cooked small ham ⓘ
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2/3 cup biscuit baking mix ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons firm margarine
- 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Arrange the partially cooked cauliflower in an ungreased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped, cooked ham over the cauliflower.
- In a bowl, beat the Cheddar cheese soup and milk with a hand beater until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the ham and cauliflower.
- In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit baking mix, margarine, shredded Cheddar cheese, and nutmeg until crumbly.
- Sprinkle this crumb mixture over the soup layer in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the topping is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream to the soup mixture. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese soup with a homemade cheese sauce if preferred. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can be replaced with diced rotisserie chicken for a different flavor. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, such as Lettuce Layered Salad, or steamed vegetables like Great Green Beans. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cauliflower-Ham Au Gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just cover to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cauliflower-Ham Au Gratin contains roughly 960 calories, with 17g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cauliflower can be used; just ensure it's partially cooked to maintain the right texture. Blanching it in boiling water for a few minutes before assembly will help achieve the desired doneness while baking.
What can I use instead of biscuit baking mix?
If you don't have biscuit baking mix, you can create your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will work well in achieving a similar crumbly topping.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).