Cauliflower Cheese Pie

Submitted by Toby Jermain

"We first saw this on Food TV and just had to try our own version of it. Tastes good. Original recipe from America's Small Farms by Joanne Lamb Hayes and Lori Stein with Maura Webber."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs
• Ingredients: 19
• Yields: 1 pie
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• Potato Crust

• 2 cups grated raw potatoes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 cup grated onion
• extra virgin olive oil

• Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3⁄4 - 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 medium cauliflower, broken into small florets
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3⁄4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups grated gruyere cheese
• paprika, for sprinkling

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Generously grease a 9-inch pie pan.
3. To make potato crust, place 2 firmly packed cups grated raw potatoes in a colander placed over a bowl, toss the potatoes with 1/2 Tsp salt, and set aside for 10 minutes.
4. Squeeze out the excess water.
5. Combine the drained potatoes, beaten egg, and grated onion in a medium bowl.
6. Pat the potato mixture into the greased pie pan, building up the sides of the crust with lightly floured fingers.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown, brushing the crust with oil after the first 20 minutes to help crisp it.
8. Remove crust from the oven, and reduce the temperature to 350°F.
9. Meanwhile, to make filling, beat together the eggs, milk, 1/2 Tsp of the salt, and the pepper in a small bowl, and set aside.
10. Blanch cauliflower.
11. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
12. Add the cauliflower, onions, garlic, and 1/4-1/2 Tsp of the remaining salt, and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
13. Add the parsley, basil, and thyme, and cook, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14. Remove from the heat.
15. Layer the baked potato crust with half of the cheese, then the cauliflower mixture, then the remaining cheese.
16. Pour the milk-egg mixture over the top and lightly dust with paprika.
17. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
18. Remove from the oven and serve.

Reviews

[Jonathan Melendez]

This is such a great brunch dish. The potato crust is what really takes it over the top. The cauliflower filling makes it hearty, so it's perfect for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike! Will definitely be making again soon.

 

[StrikingEyes00]

Delicious. It was a little time consuming because of the potatoes, but I wouldn't make this without them! I loved the crispy crunchy potato crust and enjoyed how nicely the cauliflower filling stayed together. I think next time, I'll add some chopped cashews.

 

[elegantgypsy]

Added broccoli and it was fantastic. Did take a bit of prep but was well worth the wait. Will be cooking this one for guests.

 

[da_gforce]

Perfect!!! Added half 1IB of mushrooms to the pan with the cauliflower just because I had them left over, Was a gret success! Everyone loved it, was gone in 5 minutes!

 

[ldickie]

Fabulous. It is even good cold the next day and I am planning to reheat it to see if it is as great. I found the potato crust browned a little too much and will not bake it as long on the first bake. A great make ahead for Easter dinner.