"These Aren't Potatoes?" Garlic Cauliflower Au Gratin

This is a great alternative to any potato side dish. Cauliflower has half the calories of potatoes and one-tenth the simple carbohydrates - so you can get your calories where you want to, from the cheese and butter! This recipe is so savory you just might prefer it to potatoes - my family certainly does. Have it with a salad and a nice steak. Like most of my recipes, this one feels a little tedious and plods along the first time you make it. However, it really is quite simple and so packed with flavor that you can't go wrong!

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
• Calories: 340 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup grated Romano cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 large head cauliflower
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
• ¼ cup butter, cut into cubes, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 2

Cut cauliflower florets from the stems. Separate florets into their smallest subsections. Slice and halve stems into small pieces.

Step 3

Whisk half-and-half, 3 teaspoons black pepper, garlic powder, and salt together in a small bowl.

Step 4

Scatter 1/3 of the butter cubes and 1/3 of the garlic slices on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 1/2 of the cauliflower on top. Scatter another 1/3 of the butter cubes and garlic slices on top. Cover with 1 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and 1/2 of the half-and-half mixture. Repeat layering remaining butter cubes, garlic slices, cauliflower, and Cheddar cheese. Pour in remaining half-and-half mixture.

Step 5

Sprinkle remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper on top of the baking dish. Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices across the top, covering the layers underneath.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle Romano cheese and paprika on top.

Step 7

Return to the oven and continue baking until cheese crust is golden-brown, about 15 minutes.