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Healthier Cauliflower Gratin for a Delicious Side Dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 large 3 lbs. cauliflower, cut into large florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cashew or almond milk
  • 4 slices nitrate free bacon chopped and cooked (optional)
  • 2 Tbsps ghee
  • 2 Tbsps gluten free flour or Arrowroot starch
  • 1 large finely chopped yellow onion
  • 3 cloves minced fresh garlic
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
  • 2 Tbsps chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees f. and spray an 8x10-inch oven-safe serving dish.
  • Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of salted water. Set up your steamer basket and add in the cauliflower florets. Place the lid on and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or just until the cauliflower is tender but still has a crunch. Check with a fork! Then drain all water, and set aside.
  • Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat, and melt your ghee.
  • Add in onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add in the garlic and flour, stirring constantly cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually pour in your milk, add nutmeg, sea salt and pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon or so of each). Cook stirring constantly to dissolve all lumps, until mixture starts to thicken, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup cheddar and all parmesan cheese, continue stirring until completely melted.
  • Ladle about 1/3 of this cheese sauce into the baking dish as shown in the video.
  • Layer in your steamed (completely drained of moisture by now) cauliflower and sprinkle bacon on top.
  • Spoon over the remaining cheese sauce, and spread as evenly as you can.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and bake, uncovered for about 15 minutes in your preheated oven.
  • For extra golden topping, broil during the final 2-3 minutes of baking time.
  • Allow to cool for several minutes, garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.