Finnish Cauliflower Custard
Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Finnish Cauliflower Custard—a hearty and elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat. This classic Nordic-inspired recipe combines tender cauliflower florets with a velvety, cheese-infused custard seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper for a touch of warmth and depth. Baked to golden perfection, the dish features a crispy, cheesy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard below. Whether served as a standalone vegetarian main course or as a decadent side dish, this versatile recipe is ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. With just 20 minutes of prep and a bake time of 40 minutes, this easy yet impressive dish brings Finnish-inspired comfort food straight to your table. Perfect for cheese lovers, cauliflower fans, and those looking to explore new, globally inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 4 large eggs
- 250 ml whole milk
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.25 teaspoons grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 100 grams grated cheese (e.g., Gruyère, Parmesan, or Finnish leipäjuusto)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with unsalted butter.
Cut the cauliflower into small florets and rinse them under cold water. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the cauliflower florets, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
In a small saucepan, melt the tablespoon of butter over low heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk-cream mixture while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and season the custard mixture with salt, ground black pepper, and grated nutmeg. Stir in half of the grated cheese, allowing it to melt into the custard.
Arrange the cooked cauliflower florets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the cauliflower, making sure it covers all the florets.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the custard. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Remove the Finnish Cauliflower Custard from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish or as a side to complement your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
392 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.3 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 252 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 1234 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.5 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 21.9 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 388 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 890 mg | 19% | |
*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.
