Cauliflower, Leek and Bacon Gratin
This recipe is taken from the 2015 Milk Calendar. Gratins are an excellent way to get more veggies onto your dinner table. The cauliflower is bathed in a silky smooth cheese sauce and enlivened with leeks and bacon.
- Prep: 20 min
- Cooking: 55 min
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower cut into bite-size florets (7 to 8 cups/1.75 to 2 L)
- 6 slices bacon cut into thin strips
- 3 leeks white and light green parts only, chopped into half-moons
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 mL) Milk
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Canadian Canadian-Swiss
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Canadian Parmesan
- 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
- Topping
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) grated Canadian Canadian-Swiss
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) melted butter
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Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter an 8-inch (2 L) square dish.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook cauliflower for 5 min. Drain; set aside in bowl.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet set over medium heat for 5 min or until crispy. Set aside on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tsp (10 mL) fat. Add leeks to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 min or until very soft and just starting to turn golden. Transfer to bowl with cauliflower; add bacon.
Wipe skillet clean. Melt butter in a skillet set over medium heat. Sprinkle with flour; cook, whisking, for 1 min. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Whisk for 3 to 5 min or until smooth and thickened. Whisk in Canadian-Swiss, Parmesan and salt until cheese is melted.
Pour over cauliflower mixture, stirring until well coated.
Transfer to buttered dish.
Topping:
In a bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, cheese and butter. Sprinkle over dish. Bake for about 30 min or until golden on top and heated throughout.
Tips
Add chopped fresh sage or tarragon to the leeks just after they’re cooked.
Instead of cauliflower, try cooked Brussels sprouts.
Use broccoli and Canadian Cheddar in place of cauliflower and Canadian-Swiss and Parmesan.
Nutritional information
Per serving| Energy: | 325 Calories |
| Protein: | 19 g |
| Carbohydrate: | 21 g |
| Fat: | 19 g |
| Fibre: | 3 g |
| Sodium: | 919 mg |
Top 5 Nutrients
| (% DV*) | |
|---|---|
| Calcium: | 36 % / 394 mg |
| Vitamin C: | 88 % |
| Vitamin B12: | 48 % |
| Folate: | 47 % |
| Selenium: | 39 % |
