Dilly Cauliflower Au Gratin
Creamy and cheesy cauliflower au gratin with dill, topped with toasted bread crumbs, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam cauliflower until done.
- Cut into small pieces and place in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Blend margarine with flour, milk, cheese, dill weed, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
- Top with toasted and crumbled bread slices.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, you can use fresh cauliflower that has been steamed rather than frozen. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder can enhance the taste further.
Serving Suggestions
This Dilly Cauliflower Au Gratin makes for a delightful side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or can be served as part of a vegetarian meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with Easy Pasta Salad With Vegetables for a nice balance of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dilly Cauliflower Au Gratin contains roughly 1031 calories, with 38g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2847mg per serving (124% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's thoroughly heated.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version. Olive oil can also work, though it will slightly change the flavor profile of the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! The Dilly Cauliflower Au Gratin is a great option for vegetarian recipes, as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the cheese you use is rennet-free if you're catering to strict vegetarians.
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).