CHEESY CAULIFLOWER BAKE

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake image

Provided by Leslie Bernardi

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 slice hearty white sandwich bread, torn into pieces
1 c shredded extra-sharp shredded cheese
1 c shredded monterey jack cheese
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 1/4 c heavy cream
3/4 c low-sodium chicken broth
2 lg cauliflower heads, trimmed and cut into 3/4 in florets
2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp dried thyme

Steps:

1. Prepare topping: Heat oven to 450 degrees. Pulse bread, 2 tbsp cheddar, 2 tbsp mont jack, 2 tbsp butter, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt,and 1/4 tsp pepper in food processor until coarsely ground.
2. Make sauce: Heat remaining butter, remaining garlic, and flour in dutch oven over med heat, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant, about 1 min. Slowly whisk in cream and broth. Stir in cauliflower, dry mustard, thyme, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to med-low and simmer covered, stirring occasionally , until cauliflower is nearly tender, 6-8 min. Off heat, stir in remaining cheddar and Mont jack until incorporated. Pour mixture into 9x13 baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Bake until crumbs are golden brown and crisp, 10-15 min. Let cool 10 min