Microwave Cauliflower Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower au gratin with a crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks, offering savory flavors and a tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a casserole dish, combine the frozen cauliflower and water.
- Microwave for 12 minutes, covered.
- Let stand for 3 minutes.
- In another 3-quart casserole dish, melt the butter and cook the chopped onion in the microwave for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Drain the cooked cauliflower and add it to the butter and onion mixture, then stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a 7 x 11-inch casserole dish or leave in the 3-quart dish.
- Sprinkle with Italian bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Microwave for 4 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little extra milk or even some cream cheese to the mixture. If you're out of Parmesan, you can substitute with any hard cheese you have on hand. For added flavor, try adding garlic powder or spices like paprika. This dish can also be made with fresh cauliflower if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Microwave Cauliflower Au Gratin as a delightful side dish for grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with recipes like Good Dumplins or a simple roasted chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider a mixed vegetable medley on the side to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed, which helps retain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Cauliflower Au Gratin contains roughly 674 calories, with 17g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg per serving (26% 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, you can use fresh cauliflower! Just cut it into florets and steam it until tender before mixing it with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the microwave time slightly to ensure it cooks through.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, you can microwave it or bake it until hot and bubbly.
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).