Tasty and savory, cauliflower au gratin with anchovies is a very simple side dish typical of homemade Italian cooking. The cauliflower is first boiled, then dressed with a light sauté of oil, garlic and melted anchovies and enriched with breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Baked in the oven, it forms a golden, crunchy surface while the interior remains tender.
Easy to prepare and perfect during the cold season, this baked cauliflower pairs well with both fish mains and white meats. It’s a dish that lends itself to many variations; at the end of the recipe you’ll find ideas and tips to customize it to your personal taste.
Read all my AIR FRYER recipes.
You can cook this dish either in the oven or in the air fryer—choose the cooking method you prefer.
In the kitchen, set your imagination in motion because it’s essential and, if you don’t have ideas, follow me: I’ll give you the inspiration!
Subscribe to the WhatsApp Channel to always stay updated on my recipes.
DON’T MISS THESE RECIPES:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Cooking methods: Boiling, Oven, Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower (medium)
- 5 anchovies in oil
- 2 tbsp grated Grana Padano (optional)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic
- chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
Recommended tools
- Air Fryer dual heating 10 L
- Air Fryer Pan 8×8 in
Steps: cauliflower au gratin with anchovies
First, put a pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a boil. In the meantime, remove the core from the cauliflower, separate it into florets and wash them thoroughly.
Boil them in water for about 8 minutes, or steam them until tender but still firm, then drain well.
In a skillet, pour the oil with the garlic clove and the anchovies and let them melt over low heat, stirring.
Arrange the cauliflower in an ovenproof dish, dress it with the anchovy oil, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and, if you like, the grated cheese.
Bake in a conventional oven at 356°F for 15–20 minutes, until the surface becomes golden and crunchy, or in an air fryer at 338°F for 12–15 minutes.
Finish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What vegetable can I use instead of cauliflower?
You can replace cauliflower with broccoli, kohlrabi or fennel, cooking them using the same procedure.
How can I further enrich the recipe?
You can add grated cheese, a bit of béchamel sauce or pine nuts or raisins for a Sicilian touch.
Can I make the recipe vegetarian?
Yes, of course. Replace the anchovies with chopped capers and black olives for a plant-based variation.
