Indulge in the comforting, savory flavors of this Cauliflower and Ham Gratin—a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and creamy decadence. Tender cauliflower florets and smoky ham are enveloped in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made with Gruyère and Parmesan, offering a gourmet twist to classic comfort food. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and a touch of nutmeg for subtle warmth, this baked gratin is an irresistibly rich and satisfying dish. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive addition to any holiday spread. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, for a show-stopping side dish or hearty main course that captures classic French-inspired flavors.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter and set it aside.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Dice the ham into small cubes and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the blanched cauliflower and diced ham to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
2623 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 183.3 g | 235% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.1 g | 506% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 497 mg | 166% | |
| Sodium | 7162 mg | 311% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.1 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.3 g | ||
| Protein | 114.0 g | 228% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.5 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 2784 mg | 214% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 3493 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.