Creamy Cauliflower (Fauxtato) au Gratin

Perfect replacement to mashed potatoes when carb-cutting or just want a delicious alternative. Serve with main dishes that include gravy--roast chicken, pot roast, or turkey. Don't expect leftovers!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 22 mins
• Total Time: 37 mins
• Calories: 195 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, or as needed
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg (Optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ cup snipped fresh chives
• 2 heads cauliflower, cored and cut into florets

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets, cover, and steam until very tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer cauliflower to a plate.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Butter a baking dish.

Step 3

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour until paste forms, about 1 minute. Whisk in chicken stock and cook until thickened, about 1 minute more. Add steamed cauliflower; whip with hand mixer or immersion blender until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in half-and-half, all but 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan cheese, all but 1 tablespoon of the mozzarella cheese, chives, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Pour cauliflower mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese, remaining mozzarella cheese, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes.

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 minutes.