Seed Oil Free Classic Cauliflower Gratin
Creamy, bubbling, and crowned with a shatteringly crisp breadcrumb crust, this cauliflower gratin is the kind of comfort food that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The béchamel is built entirely from butter, flour, whole milk, and nutty Gruyère — no canola, no vegetable oil, no sunflower oil anywhere in sight. That matters more than it sounds, because so many packaged gratins and store-bought cream sauces quietly rely on refined seed oils as a base or filler. Here, every drop of fat comes from real butter and dairy, which also happens to be exactly what makes the sauce so rich and glossy. Blanching the cauliflower first ensures it turns perfectly tender in the oven without going mushy, while the panko topping — tossed in melted butter — bakes into a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce underneath. A little freshly grated nutmeg and black pepper round out the flavor in a way that feels classic and deeply satisfying. This is a side dish that can absolutely hold its own as the main event.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into 1 ½-inch florets
- 1 tsp salt, plus more for the blanching water
For the béchamel
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup gruyère cheese, finely grated (about 3 oz), divided
For the topping
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 4 minutes, until just barely tender when pierced with a knife but still holding their shape. Drain in a colander and let steam-dry for 2 minutes.
- 2
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture turns a pale golden color and smells faintly nutty.
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