Baked Cauliflower Custards

Description

• 1 head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets (about 8 cups)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated Gruyere (about 4 ounces)

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss cauliflower with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast, turning once, until golden and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.

• Step 2

  Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add milk, whisking until mixture just comes to a simmer. Gently simmer, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened slightly, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup Gruyere. Season with salt and pepper.

• Step 3

  Divide cauliflower among six 8-ounce gratin dishes. Pour cream mixture over vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Gruyere.

• Step 4

  Place gratin dishes on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until bubbly and golden brown in spots, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.