*this is an updated post by Mo. The original was posted 2014 by Amy.

This recipe is adaptable to using Romanesco and or cauliflower. Both are very similar in texture, flavor, cooking methods and time. Béchamel is a basic creamy sauce that is used in many classic dishes. When I worked in restaurants we called Bechamel sauce ‘Culinary Duct Tape’. It pulls textures and flavors together, and upgrades dishes from simple to special, like magic.

This is super simple and fast dish to make. Gather your (very white if not using Romanesco) ingredients.

Recipe

1-2 heads Romanesco and/or cauliflower cut into manageable sizes
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour any flour will do, even gluten free or corn flour
1 1/2 cups milk, any type of milk works
1/2 cup grated cheese, plus more to sprinkle on top. This is optional again, any cheese works here. This is where you can get really fancy, try Blue cheese or Brie or English Cheddar or whatever you love. It’s super fun to customize.
White pepper
Salt

Steam the Romanesco and cauliflower until almost tender for about 5 minutes in a covered pan. They will cook more in the oven, so you want to leave them a little bit firm. Romanesco takes a little longer to get tender so check after 5 minutes for cauliflower and 7 or 8 for Romanesco.

To make the Béchamel sauce. Melt the butter over medium-low heat then whisk in the flour to make a roux.

Add 1/2 cup milk, whisking constantly. Whisk until the lumps dissolve and you have a smooth, thick paste. Add the remaining cup of milk, 1/2 cup at a time. Each time you should whisk until the sauce thickens. When you can draw a line that stays on a spoon the sauce is the right consistency.

When the sauce has thickened (roughly the consistency of thin gravy), stir in the cheese, white pepper, and salt to taste. Remove sauce from heat.

Place half of the florets on the bottom of your baking dish and half of of the Béchamel sauce.

Put the remaining half of the florets on top of the first layer and cover with the remaining Béchamel sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake in a pre-heated 375F degree oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

This is a great side dish for simple weeknight meals or a fancy holiday celebration.