Cauliflower Penne Gratin

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, in bite size pieces
• 3 cups uncooked penne
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• salt
• pepper
• 3 cups milk, warmed
• 2 1/2 cups shredded gruyere
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 3 qt casserole dish.

2. 2

   Cook penne until very al dente (not quite tender enough to eat) about 6-7 minutes, run under cold water, drain and add to casserole dish.

3. 3

   Steam cauliflower florets until tender crisp, run under cold water, drain and mix with penne.

4. 4

   Melt butter over low heat (add garlic if you like).

5. 5

   Whisk in flour until combined and smooth, about 1 minute.

6. 6

   Add warm milk slowly, whisking then bring to a boil over medium heat until thickened.

7. 7

   Add in nutmeg, salt, pepper and Gruyere cheese until smooth.

8. 8

   Pour sauce over the penne/cauliflower mix and stir just a bit to make sure it gets to the bottom.

9. 9

   Top with Parmesan and bread crumbs.

10. 10

    Bake for about 30-40 minutes until gold and bubbly.

11. 11

    Cool 10 minutes before serving.