Cauliflower & Butternut Squash Au Gratin

Sometimes you just need to eat cheesy goodness.  That doesn't however always mean bad for you.  This is a quick side that takes minimal effort yet yields great homemade taste.  It can really apply to multiple vegetables but the combination of butternut squash is not only tasty but colorful.

I served this as a standalone meal and was pleasantly complimented at how good this was.  It makes a great standalone entree but also a fantastic side for many meals.

You Will Need:

1 head of cauliflower cut into large pieces

1 Butternut squash cut into large pieces

1 Cup Bread crumbs

3 TBSP Butter

3 TBSP Flour

2 Cups milk 

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 Cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese.

Preheat oven to 400.  Place the cauliflower and squash into a baking pan, and add about 1/2 cup water.  Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes so that the veggies steam. As an alternative you can steam them on the stove top.  

In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the flour and continue to cook for 2 minutes stirring frequently.   Add the milk and continue to stir for 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened and bubbly.   Remove from heat and add cheese, mix until well incorporated.

Remove the foil from the veggies and cook for 5 minutes longer in the oven until MOST of the water is evaporated.  

Remove veggies from oven and pour sauce over them.  Mix well.  Cover with breadcrumbs and return to oven.  Bake another 10 minutes or until bread crumbs are golden brown and sauce is bubbling.

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.