Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin

8 Steps to complete

• 1
  Preheat oven to 400°F.
• 2
  Remove stems from 1 cauliflower head and cut into bite size pieces. Run under water. Fill pot with roughly 2 inches of water, place on the stove top, and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn heat down to medium. Place cauliflower pieces in steamer basket, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Transfer the pieces to the blender along with ½ tsp. of salt. Blend till pureed. Set aside.
• 3
  Remove stems from the remaining cauliflower and cut into bite-size florets. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil and ½ tsp. of salt. Roast on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip cauliflower over and sprinkle the remaining ½ tsp. of salt, return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from sheet tray and set aside. Turn oven up to 425°F.
• 4
  Meanwhile, make the sauce: melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add shallots, garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk until fully incorporated. Repeat with the remaining flour, whisking after each addition and no lumps are present. Cook for 3 minutes.
• 5
  Add cauliflower puree, sour cream, white pepper, hot sauce, and nutmeg. Cook over low heat for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Return the sauce to the blender and blend for 1 minute.
• 6
  Return the sauce to the saucepan, add sage leaves. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add Grated Sierra® Brand Cotija Cheese and stir for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of Quesadilla Cheese or Oaxaca Cheese, stir. Cook for an additional minute, or until the cheese is melted. Remove sage leaves.
• 7
  Mix in the roasted cauliflower. Add bread crumbs and toss. Fill six 2½" diameter ramekins with about ¾ cup of the cauliflower mixture. After the ramekin is filled, slightly shake the ramekin to remove any air pockets. Smooth out tops with a spoon. Top each ramekin with 2 tbsp. of Shredded Chihuahua® or Oaxaca Cheese.
• 8
  Place the ramekins on a sheet tray, place sheet tray in the oven for 15 min or until the cheese caramelizes. Once ramekins come out of oven, let cool for about 5 min. Top each ramekin with a tsp. of chopped chives. Enjoy!