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 salt
plus ½ tsp extra
2 lb head of cauliflower
base 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 cheese
divided
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.