One of the Passover Seder staples is horseradish. Pungent, full of flavor, and sometimes a little over the top with its amount of spice, horseradish is called “maror” on the seder plate and symbolizes how bitter and harsh slavery was for the ancient Hebrews in Egypt.
As I scrambled to figure out what I wanted to make for my family’s Passover Seder, I happened to stumble upon one of my absolute favorite blogger’s latest posts for Horseradish Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin. Brianne from Cupcakes and Kale Chips is constantly making appearances at my family dinners. She has such an amazing index of recipes and I love making them! She’s a fellow Jersey girl, so maybe that explains why I’m so drawn to her style of food.
This Horseradish Cheddar Cheese really packs some heat. My eyes were watering and my nose was itching while I shredded the cheese. That smell — amazing! I have never liked horseradish on its own. I can’t eat it during the seder when you’re supposed to taste the bitter herbs; it just does not appeal to me. But as a flavored cheese? Um, yes please!
I wasn’t worried about the spiciness of this dish because I knew the steamed cauliflower and tart Greek yogurt would balance everything out. I honestly didn’t think any of the kids would like it though, let alone even try it! Surprisingly, my 9-year-old niece Dani took the plunge and went for it. She’s a brave little one, not knowing what she was getting herself into. But after hearing how much the rest of us were raving about it, I’d be tempted to try some too! The verdict? She liked it! YAY! If I can get a 9-year-old to like a dish made with horseradish, I must be doing something right. Or rather, Brianne is.
As a side note, both of Brianne’s sons also liked it and they are much younger than my niece. This Cauliflower Gratin with Horseradish Cheddar Cheese is a favorite among kids and adults of all ages, so it’s perfect for any dinner!
Cauliflower Gratin with Horseradish Cheddar Cheese
from Cupcakes and Kale Chips Horseradish Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin
1 head cauliflower, chopped into medium florets
1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1 egg
1 cup Horseradish Cheddar Cheese, shredded
salt and pepper
paprika
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Steam cauliflower in a large pot until very tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
Using a large food processor, combine the cauliflower, Greek yogurt, egg, 3/4 cup of the cheese, salt and pepper and puree until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a glass baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top has browned.
