the Breville Test Kitchen
Cauliflower Cheese
A golden, bubbling side dish that brings comfort and richness to your Thanksgiving spread. With tender cauliflower and a creamy gruyere-parmesan sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with roasted mains. Classic, cozy and just indulgent enough for the holiday table.
45 mins total time
30 mins active time
Easy
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
Measurements:
2 tbsp kosher saltplus ½ tsp extra
2 lb head of cauliflowerbase trimmed
2 oz unsalted butter
⅓ cup (2 oz) all-purpose flour
2 cups (16 fl oz) whole milk
2 cups (7 oz) shredded gruyere cheesedivided
⅔ cup (1¾ oz) finely grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp mustard powder
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh nutmeg
Instructions
- 1Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 tablespoons of salt to the water. Return to a boil, then add the cauliflower, floret-side down and boil for 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the water and place on a wire rack to drain. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 2Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, whisking occasionally.
- 3Add the half the gruyere, half the parmesan, mustard powder, pepper, the extra ½ teaspoon salt and grate in some nutmeg. Whisk until the cheese has melted.
- 4Insert the wire rack into position 7. Set the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 400°F, for 17 minutes and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 5Place the cauliflower into a 2¼ qt traditional braiser. Cover evenly with the sauce and sprinkle over the remaining gruyere and parmesan.
- 6Once preheated, place the braiser in the oven and air fry for 17 minutes.
- 7When the oven signals, set the oven to Broil, High, for 3 minutes and press Start.
- 8The cauliflower should be golden brown and tender. If not, broil it a little longer.
- 9Spoon the gratin straight from the braiser at the table for a rustic, family-style presentation. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving mains. It's especially good with roasted turkey or ham.
