This comforting cauliflower gratin combines tender florets with a creamy horseradish sauce, nutty Fontina cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping. The horseradish adds a lively, peppery bite that balances the richness, making this an appealing side dish for roasted poultry, fish, or a holiday table. Cauliflower provides dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and beneficial plant compounds associated with cruciferous vegetables. Horseradish adds bold flavor and contains naturally occurring glucosinolates. Because this gratin also contains butter, half-and-half, cheese, and breadcrumbs, it is a rich, indulgent way to enjoy vegetables rather than a low-calorie or low-saturated-fat dish.
Serves 8
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 35–45 minutes
Ingredients
3½ lb cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets (about 8 cups)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
7 tbsp prepared white horseradish, divided
1 tsp white wine vinegar
Ground nutmeg, to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 cup packed grated Fontina cheese (about 4 oz)
½ tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cups fresh French breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam cauliflower until crisp-tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer to a 13 × 9 × 2-inch glass baking dish.
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in half-and-half; bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 4 minutes.
Stir in 5 tbsp horseradish and the vinegar. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over cauliflower and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with Fontina. At this point, the dish can be covered and refrigerated up to 1 day.
Melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter in a heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Mix in mustard and the remaining 2 tbsp horseradish. Add breadcrumbs and stir until golden brown, about 9 minutes. Sprinkle over cauliflower.
Bake until cauliflower is heated through, about 25 minutes. If prepared ahead and refrigerated, allow additional baking time until hot throughout.
Make it your own
For a lighter variation, replace some of the half-and-half with milk; the sauce may be less rich.
Add a little extra freshly grated nutmeg to complement the Fontina.
For a crisp finish, bake uncovered and serve as soon as the topping is golden.
Nutritional assessment
Cauliflower is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune health, digestion, and healthy cell function. As a cruciferous vegetable, it also contains glucosinolates, natural plant compounds studied for their potential protective effects against certain cancers. Horseradish provides additional beneficial plant compounds while adding bold, peppery flavor. Fontina cheese contributes calcium and protein to support bone and muscle health. Although this gratin is a richer dish, it offers a delicious way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of cauliflower as part of a balanced diet.
Macros (per serving)
Cauliflower and Horseradish Gratin — Serves 8
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~5 g |
| Total Sugars | ~6 g |
| Added Sugars | ~0–2 g |
| Protein | ~11 g |
| Total Fat | ~17 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10 g |
| Cholesterol | ~50 mg |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
Key Micronutrients (per serving)
| Vitamin or Mineral | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (RAE) | ~160 mcg | 18% |
| Vitamin B6 | ~0.40 mg | 24% |
| Vitamin B5 | ~1.6 mg | 32% |
| Vitamin C | ~60 mg | 67% |
| Vitamin E | ~0.6 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | ~32 mcg | 27% |
| Folate (B9) | ~100 mcg | 25% |
| Potassium | ~700 mg | 15% |
| Calcium | ~190 mg | 15% |
| Magnesium | ~45 mg | 11% |
| Phosphorus | ~240 mg | 19% |
| Iron | ~1.8 mg | 10% |
| Manganese | ~0.40 mg | 17% |
| Copper | ~0.12 mg | 13% |
Nutritional values are estimates based on eight servings and the original recipe. Actual values vary depending on ingredients, brands, preparation, and cooking. Daily Values are based on standard adult reference values.