Cauliflower Gratin with Prosciutto

Contributed By: cmab
California Milk Advisory Board

This cheesy side dish goes well with many dishes.

Total Preparation Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Ingredients: Vegetables
Actual Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 6
Nutrition Content: Good Source of Calcium
Holiday: Thanksgiving

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Ingredients

1 Head cauliflower (about 2 pounds before trimming)
2-1/2 tablespoons Butter, plus more for baking dish
3 tablespoons Fine bread crumbs (see note)
2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
3/4 cup Milk
3/4 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
1 Bay leaf
1 Garlic clove, peeled and halved
1 ounce Prosciutto (1 large or 2 small thin slices)
1 cup Grated California Cheddar cheese (or Mozzarella)

Preparation

Trim cauliflower and divide into florets. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook florets until just tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking.

Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat. Add bread crumbs and stir to coat with butter. Season with salt. Cook, stirring, until bread crumbs are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat. Add flour and whisk to blend. Cook 1 minute, then add milk, broth, bay leaf and garlic. Bring to a boil, whisking, then adjust heat to maintain a bare simmer and cook 8 to 10 minutes, scraping sides of pan with a spatula occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf and garlic. Keep warm.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut florets in half or quarters and arrange in buttered low-sided oval baking dish just large enough to hold them in one layer. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over the cauliflower. Tear prosciutto into shreds and scatter over sauce. Top with cheese, then with bread crumbs. Bake in lower third of oven until bubbly and browned, about 30 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before serving. Serve with chicken, lamb or pork.

Cook's Notes

To make fine bread crumbs, use two slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed. Toast crumbs in a preheated 375°F oven, stirring occasionally, until lightly colored and dry, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool, then process again until fine.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 204 ; Total Fat: 12 g ; Saturated Fat: 7.5 g ; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6 g ; Carbohydrates: 414 g ; Protein: 11 g ; Vitamin A: 414 IU ; Vitamin C: 70 mg ; Calcium: 217 mg ; Sodium: 397 mg ; Iron: 1.2 mg ; Fiber: 4 g

Recipe Comments

Commented by: DCC

Choosing low-fat milk and/or reduced-fat cheddar cheese will lower the calories and fat in this decadent side dish.