Baked Breaded Cauliflower

Name: Baked Breaded Cauliflower
Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower (about 3 pounds), trimmed of leaves and coarse bottom stem, then cooked until crisp-tender (see Note above); 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 large scallions, trimmed and finely chopped (white part only); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 2 cups half-and-half, at room temperature; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (see Tip above); 1/3 cup moderately coarse dry bread crumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter (Topping)

10 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1 large cauliflower (about 3 pounds), trimmed of leaves and coarse bottom stem, then cooked until crisp-tender (see Note above)
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 large scallions, trimmed and finely chopped (white part only)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups half-and-half, at room temperature
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (see Tip above)
1/3 cup moderately coarse dry bread crumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter (Topping)

Directions

1

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Drain all liquid from cooked cauliflower, ease whole head into 9-inch pie pan generously coated with nonstick baking spray, and set aside.
2

2. Melt butter in small heavy saucepan over moderately low heat. Add scallions and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes until limp. Blend in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and cook and stir 3 minutes.
3

3. Whisking constantly, add half-and-half in slow, steady stream and continue whisking 5 to 8 minutes until thickened and no raw floury taste lingers. Add cheese and stir until melted. Carefully pour sauce over cauliflower and sprinkle with Topping.
4

4. Slide onto middle oven shelf and bake uncovered about 20 minutes until lightly browned.
5

5. Ease breaded cauliflower onto heated round platter and serve as an accompaniment to roast beef, lamb, or pork. Good, too, with roast chicken or turkey or baked ham.