Microwaved Cauliflower Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower au gratin that's quick to prepare in the microwave, perfect for comforting side dishes with rich flavors and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove outer leaves from cauliflower and trim stem close to the base.
- Wash and place cauliflower on a 9-inch pie plate.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on High for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Let stand while making the cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish for 1 minute on High.
- Blend in flour, white pepper, and dry mustard.
- Stir in milk and microwave on High for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened, stirring every minute.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and stir to blend.
- Place cauliflower on a serving plate and pour the cheese sauce over the top.
- Serve at once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier cheese sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream. If you don't have sharp Cheddar, a mild Cheddar or Gruyère can work well too. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch, mixing it with a little cold milk before adding it to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This microwaved cauliflower au gratin makes for an excellent side dish to accompany roasted meats or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Butch'S Applesauce Cake for a delightful meal. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cauliflower au gratin in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwaved Cauliflower Au Gratin contains roughly 461 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% 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 frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just ensure it's thawed and drained of excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Microwave the frozen cauliflower for a shorter time, about 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender before proceeding with the cheese sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your cauliflower au gratin, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce. Alternatively, a few drops of hot sauce can elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese sauce and steam the cauliflower a day in advance. Store both separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the cauliflower and cheese sauce, then pour the sauce over the cauliflower before serving for a fresh taste.
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).