Cauliflower, Mark Twain once sniffed, was nothing but cabbage with a college education. Boiled and buttered, the way grandma used to do it, cauliflower was nothing to write home about. Now it is on restaurant menus and is a sought after addition to meals. Cauliflower began to appear on vegetable trays, in snack packs and anywhere a crunch was needed. Cooks everywhere took a closer look when low carb dining became important to a large part of the population. Cauliflower is only 5 carbs per serving and it’s somewhat bland flavor and good texture makes it an acceptable substitute for potatoes, pasta and rice. This recipe uses it as a substitute for Mac n Cheese. (Mock N Cheese! My sister, Vee, told me it was not a good name if I had to explain it. First she hinted ever so diplomatically with a laugh and a hmmmm — or maybe it was a snort like a hmmmm. Was she right? )
Precook the cauliflower in the microwave, covered, just enough to make it crispy soft – you can put a fork in it, but it retains some of its crispness. While it is microwaving, begin to make the roux in a large pan. The onion and garlic aren’t enough to jump out, but they give a depth to the dish. Same with the nutmeg – although you can smell it during baking, you can’t really taste it. The cheese does play a part in the flavor, but you can adjust to what you have on hand and what your tastes are. The milk and cream can vary, as well. If you have whole milk use 2 cups of it. Two cups of half and half work or if you want a richer flavor use all cream. You can leave the cauliflower in sections, just as you placed them in the baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it. You will have a proper cauliflower au gratin then –especially if you also sprinkle a couple tablespoons of seasoned bread crumbs over the top before baking. To make it a substitute for macaroni and cheese, run a sharp knife through the partially cooked cauliflower in the pan until the texture is somewhat reminiscent of large elbow macaroni. Pour on the cheese sauce and bake for Faux Roni? Mock N Cheese? Good stuff!
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, about 3 pounds
- ½ small onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack)
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (or Swiss)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Turn cauliflower upside down and cut all around the stem with sharp knife. Remove tough leafy stems. Do not cut the florets apart.
- Spray 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray. Rinse cauliflower sections and place without draining into baking dish. Cover dish with upside plate or piece of waxed paper. Microwave 3 minutes on high.
- Turn oven to 400 degrees.
- In large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and saute’ until fragrant, 1-3 minutes
- Add flour and stir to form a roux. Cook, stirring contantly about 1 minute. Lower heat if necessary to avoid browning the roux.
- Add cream/milk slowly, whisking to keep the mixture smooth.
- Bring mixture to slow boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until thick, smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add nutmeg, salt and pepper and grated cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.
- Pour evenly over the cauliflower in the 8x8 baking dish and sprinkle grated parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
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I am doing low carb so this is a GREAT find for me! I can’t wait to try it!!!
Thanks! Would love for you to stop by toddlindsey.com!
Made this last night (finally!) and tweaked it to make it low carb. It was delicious!
http://www.toddlindsey.com/2012/05/cauliflower-gratin-low-carb.html
Thanks for the mention! The cream cheese is a nice addition!
Hi Charlene,
Your recipe looks awesome. Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
My hubby is on a low carb diet and Cauliflower is his favorite veggie. He is gonna love this!
Mmmmmm! Pasta is not my friend, it sticks to me like super glue. This I have to try!! Pinning!
Looks like the real deal. I can’t remember what it was, but a friend of mine served us a dish that had been substituted with cauliflower. I was surprised when she told us. It really is good. Thanks for sharing this healthy option at Show & Tell.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
Mmmm, I haven’t had cauliflower in so long (i’m the only one in the family who likes it)! this looks fabulous!
Looks Yummy! Visiting from Polly Want a Crafter:)
Rachel @ Loving Life