Cauliflower Gratin with Queso Cotija
Lisa Romerein
Yields MAKES: 8 to 10 servings
NOTES: Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese, available in Mexican markets and many well-stocked supermarkets. If you can't find it, substitute a mixture of 6 ounces shredded jack cheese and 6 ounces crumbled feta. You can assemble this gratin (through step 2) a day ahead; cover and chill.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

In a 6- to 8-quart pan over high heat, bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Meanwhile, trim and discard leaves from cauliflower; separate heads into florets. Slice florets 1/4 inch thick. Add sliced cauliflower to boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.

Step 2
2

In a glass measure, stir together cream and cayenne. Line bottom of a shallow 3 1/2- to 4-quart baking dish with a fourth of the cauliflower slices. Drizzle a fourth of the cream mixture over cauliflower. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and top evenly with a fourth of the poblano chile strips and cotija cheese. Repeat three times to layer gratin, ending with cheese.

Step 3
3

Bake in a 450° oven until cheese is browned and cauliflower is tender when pierced, about 30 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

 2 heads cauliflower (3 lb. total), rinsed
 3/4 cup whipping cream
 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  Salt and fresh-ground pepper
 1 pound fresh poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and cut into strips
 12 ounces cotija cheese, shredded (see notes)

Directions

Step 1
1

In a 6- to 8-quart pan over high heat, bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Meanwhile, trim and discard leaves from cauliflower; separate heads into florets. Slice florets 1/4 inch thick. Add sliced cauliflower to boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.

Step 2
2

In a glass measure, stir together cream and cayenne. Line bottom of a shallow 3 1/2- to 4-quart baking dish with a fourth of the cauliflower slices. Drizzle a fourth of the cream mixture over cauliflower. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and top evenly with a fourth of the poblano chile strips and cotija cheese. Repeat three times to layer gratin, ending with cheese.

Step 3
3

Bake in a 450° oven until cheese is browned and cauliflower is tender when pierced, about 30 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Cauliflower Gratin with Queso Cotija