Creamed Cauliflower with Farmhouse Cheddar

Ingredients

• 2 large heads cauliflower (about 2 1/2 lb. each), cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup minced green onions
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Farmhouse Cheddar cheese or sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs*
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Preparation

1. Bring 4 qt. salted water to a boil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Add cauliflower; cook just until crisp-tender, stirring often. Drain; rinse under cold water. Let cool in colander.
2. Melt 3 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add green onions and garlic, and sauté 3 minutes. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and cream; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in 1/2 tsp. each salt and nutmeg and 1/4 tsp. each pepper. Add cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Remove from heat; add cauliflower, stirring to coat well. Spoon cauliflower into a greased 13" x 9" baking dish.
3. Combine breadcrumbs and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl; sprinkle over cauliflower. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 35 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
4. *To make 1 1/2 cups homemade breadcrumbs, place 3 slices bread, torn, in a mini chopper. Cover and pulse just until you have fine crumbs.
5. Note: Farmhouse Cheddar gets its distinction, in part, because it's made on a farmer's property, using only milk from his cows. We tested with Keen's.