Creamy Ham and Cauliflower Au Gratin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you want to add a bit of crunch to your au gratin, consider sprinkling a small amount of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft cauliflower and creamy sauce, elevating the dish with a professional finish that mimics the traditional breadcrumb crust often found in classic French-style gratins.

To achieve a more intense flavor, you can lightly sauté the cauliflower florets in a pan with a little butter for a few minutes before adding them to the baking dish.

This process caramelizes the edges of the cauliflower, adding a deeper, nuttier profile that complements the rich cream sauce and salty ham exceptionally well. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from the pan before adding the cauliflower to the baking dish to keep the sauce thick.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham entirely and add sliced mushrooms or steamed broccoli florets to the dish. These vegetables pair perfectly with the mustard cream sauce and add a hearty texture that makes the dish satisfying without the meat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce mixture before pouring it over the cauliflower. This provides a gentle heat that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and the cauliflower can lose its texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave-safe dish to heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming.

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you are ready to eat, reheat the portion gently in the oven or microwave until it is heated through, ensuring the sauce remains creamy and the cheese stays flavorful for your next meal.

This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add the cheese and place it directly into the preheated oven. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the total baking time to account for the cold ingredients starting from the refrigerator.

Serving ideas

This creamy ham and cauliflower au gratin is best served warm, straight from the baking dish. It pairs beautifully with a crisp, green side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which helps cut through the richness of the cream and cheese.

For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a piece of crusty sourdough bread to mop up any remaining sauce, making it a complete and satisfying dinner option for any night of the week.

When serving, use a large spoon to carefully scoop out portions, ensuring that every serving includes plenty of the creamy sauce and the golden cheese crust.

If you are serving this as a main course, consider adding a side of roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans to balance the meal. The leftovers are also excellent when served cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your regular rotation of quick and easy meals.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Ham and Cauliflower Au Gratin

Prep 15 minCook 30 minRest 5 minTotal 50 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower florets
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower florets and the diced cooked ham into a large, oven-safe baking dish, spreading them out evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the entire casserole.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cauliflower and ham in the baking dish, ensuring every piece is lightly coated.
3. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the top of the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the cream sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Contains: milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

9.2 g

Fat

31.5 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

3.8 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.