Table of Contents
A simple, cheesy side dish with a little heat and a lot of comfort.
introduction
This Pepper Jack Cauliflower Gratin is creamy, cheesy, and a little spicy. It uses tender boiled cauliflower and a smooth pepper jack cheese sauce. If you enjoy pepper jack in other dishes, try a similar pairing in this creamy pepper jack chicken recipe for more ideas.
why make this recipe
- It is fast and easy to prepare.
- It turns plain cauliflower into a rich side dish.
- The pepper jack gives a pleasant spicy flavor without much work.
- It pairs well with meats and simple weeknight meals.
how to make Pepper Jack Cauliflower Gratin
- Preheat your oven and boil the cauliflower until tender but still firm.
- Make a basic cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded pepper jack.
- Mix the cooked cauliflower and sauce in a casserole dish.
- Top with more pepper jack and bake until the top is lightly browned.
Ingredients :
3 pounds cauliflower, cut into florets
salt for boiling the cauliflower
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded, divided
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain. To make the cheese sauce, place 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring or whisking constantly. Slowly add the milk as you continue to whisk. The sauce should thicken with each addition of milk. When all the milk has been incorporated, add 4 ounces of pepper jack cheese and stir until melted. Place the boiled cauliflower in a large casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower. Sprinkle with the remaining 4 ounces of cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned.
how to serve Pepper Jack Cauliflower Gratin
Serve hot as a side dish. It goes well with roasted chicken, pork, or simple grilled meats. For a quick weeknight plate, serve it alongside a fast protein like air-fryer chicken and veggies.
how to store Pepper Jack Cauliflower Gratin
- Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm, about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.
- To freeze: cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Pepper Jack Cauliflower Gratin
- Do not overcook the cauliflower in the boiling water; keep it slightly firm so it holds up in the oven.
- Grate the cheese yourself for best melting and flavor.
- Stir the sauce constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Use a shallow casserole dish so the top browns evenly.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter on top for a crunchy crust.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra flavor.
- Swap half the pepper jack for cheddar for a milder taste.
- Add chopped cooked broccoli with the cauliflower for a mixed-vegetable gratin.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well, then follow the recipe. You may need less boiling time.
Q: Can I use another cheese instead of pepper jack?
A: Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix work well. Pepper jack adds spice.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not as written because of the flour. Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch (half as much) to make the sauce gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge.
Pepper Jack Cauliflower Gratin
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until tender but firm. Drain.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring or whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Once thickened, stir in 4 ounces of the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted.
- Place the boiled cauliflower in a large casserole dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle with the remaining 4 ounces of cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned.
