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ItalianMedium

Gratinated Cauliflower

AT

By

Ago Tanfossi

Chef and recipe curator at Global Cucina

Published on March 16, 2026

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Gratinated cauliflower is a rich and tasty side dish: baked with cheese and béchamel sauce, it will be appreciated even by children.

Gratinated cauliflower is a perfect example of how a side dish can become a complete meal: the contrast between the strong flavor of the cheese and the creaminess of the béchamel sauce creates a balance that respects the ingredients. The simplicity of the preparation, combined with the cauliflower's ability to absorb flavors, makes it suitable for any table, without sacrificing a rigorous culinary base.

Capolavoro Score 4.5/5 · 15 votes
Gratinated Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 2.1 lb Cauliflower
  • 1.2 oz Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 oz butter
  • 0.7 oz Flour
  • 10 oz Milk
  • to taste Nutmeg
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    First, wash and clean the cauliflower, removing the outer leaves and the central core, then separate the florets: you should get about 800 g of cauliflower. Place the florets in boiling salted water and cook for 15 minutes (if you don't like the smell of cauliflower while cooking, you can reduce it by adding lemon juice or vinegar to the water).

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce: in a saucepan, heat the milk, while in another saucepan with a thick bottom, melt the butter 5 over low heat. Once melted, add the flour to the saucepan with the butter, mixing immediately with a whisk to prevent lumps.

  3. 3

    Let it brown slightly, then add the hot milk, mixing immediately with a whisk. Continue stirring to prevent lumps; season with nutmeg, pepper and salt, and let the mixture thicken for just a few minutes, stirring constantly.

  4. 4

    The béchamel sauce should remain quite liquid. In the meantime, the cauliflower florets will be cooked, drain them carefully and set aside for a moment. Grease a 20x20 cm baking dish

  5. 5

    and place the cauliflower florets inside. Cover with the béchamel sauce and then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese.

  6. 6

    Season with pepper to taste 16-

  7. 7

    and then bake in a preheated oven at 180° in static mode for 10 minutes. After this time, set the grill to 220° and bake for another 10 minutes, so as to obtain a golden crust. Your gratinated cauliflower is ready to be served.

Ago's Notes

  • Adjust the salt according to the salt content of the ingredients.

Enjoy your meal, and remember that the harmony of flavors and respect for the ingredients make every meal a unique experience.

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