Cauliflower Au Gratin

Well, hello there!  Something new that I made recently that was SO GOOD and such a good substitute for something like macaroni and cheese for The Dish Washer's low carb diet.  

Cauliflower Au Gratin

• 2-1/2 pounds cauliflower florets
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1-1/4 c. milk
• 3/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 425ºF. Spread out the florets on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat Place them in the oven to roast for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes, stir the florets with a wooden spoon. Return to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes longer till the edges brown/caramelize and the cauliflower is tender.

While the cauliflower roasts, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir to form a thick paste.  Slowly whisk in the milk, ¼ cup at a time. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat for a few minutes, whisking frequently, till it thickens and begins to bubble around the edges. Do not let the sauce boil. Whisk in the grated cheddar cheese and stir till melted. Reduce heat to lowest setting, stirring frequently, until ready to assemble the gratin.

Place cauliflower in a baking dish.  (I used and 8x8)  Pour the cheese sauce evenly across the top of the cauliflower florets. Place the assembled gratin into the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes till edges begin to brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.