Mashed Cauliflower Au Gratin - Vegetarian

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cauliflower florets in a stockpot & add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer (uncovered) for 10-12 min or until very tender.

Step 2: Drain & transfer to a lrg bowl. Mash cauliflower & then stir in the cheeses, cubed butter & seasonings. Transfer to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

Step 3: In a sml bowl, mix bread crumbs & melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the cauliflower mixture & bake (uncovered) for 40-50 min or until heated through & the topping is golden brown.

Step 4: NOTE RE FREEZE OPTION: Cool unbaked casserole; cover & freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 min before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through & for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°F.

Step 5: JUST 1 MORE COMMENT: If you're not necessarily after a vegetarian dish, adding 1/2 lb or so of crisped & crumbled bacon might be a nice touch that would add both color & a textural component. :-)