Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This easy mashed cauliflower casserole recipe is the perfect solution when you want to sneak in a vegetable on the picky eater's plate. Mashed and baked with cheese, this puree is so rich and satisfying that it could even act as a main dish when served with a mixed salad.
If you're looking for a tasty way to serve cauliflower, but get overwhelmed by its size, this dish can help out. One cauliflower makes a lot of eating, especially if you have only a few mouths to feed. By making it into a casserole, you extend its possibilities and leftovers are no problem, as this tastes fine warmed in the microwave the next day.
It is named after the Countess du Barry. She is a sort of patron saint of cauliflower recipes in France. You can read more about why here: cauliflower soup recipe.
Gratin Du Barry
Prep time: 25 min
Bake time: 15 min
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 large potatoes
- 2 quarts chicken bouillon
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and pressed
- 1 egg
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 cup (about 3 ounces) grated cheese (Gruyère or Swiss)
Directions
- Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, slice it in half, then slice off florets from the stem. Discard the leaves and stem.
- Peel the potatoes and slice in 1/2 inch cubes.
- Bring the bouillon to a boil and add the cauliflower florets and the cubed potatoes. Boil the vegetables until they are tender - about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and strain.
- Place the vegetables in a food processor and process until smooth. Alternatively you can use a stainless steel food mill to puree the vegetables. Stir in the mascarpone cheese, crushed garlic, egg, pepper and nutmeg until blended.
- Spread the puree in a greased 1 1/2 to 2 quart baking dish and top with the grated cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Recipe Variations
- Stir in cooked bacon or cubed ham for an extra hearty cauliflower casserole.
- Substitute broccoli florets for part of the cauliflower for a more colorful casserole.
- For a different flavor, add a couple of pinches of curry or cumin.
Find more easy cauliflower recipes.
Return to Easy Vegetable Recipes.
Au Gratin Dishes
If you bake this in a pretty dish, you can bring it right to the table. Top French ceramic makers have something to please everyone: au gratin dishes.
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