-
1
Grease an 11 by 7-inch glass baking dish with the butter and set aside.
-
2
Position 1 oven rack in the middle position and 1 in the top position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
-
3
Place the cauliflower in a small glass bowl, stalk end up.
-
4
Use a paring knife to remove the lower leaves.
-
5
Trim the large florets off of the stem, keeping them as intact as possible.
-
6
Try to keep the size uniformly large and make as few cuts as possible.
-
7
Discard the leaves and inner stem.
-
8
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 4 minutes.
-
9
Rest, still covered in plastic, for another 4 minutes.
-
10
Uncover and rest for 4 to 5 more minutes while preparing the rest of the dish.
-
11
Combine 4 ounces of the cheese, the bread crumbs, egg, salt, mustard, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne in a large mixing bowl.
-
12
When 1 minute remains on the cauliflower rest period, microwave the cream on high for 30 seconds.
-
13
Add the cream to the bowl with the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
-
14
Using your hands and a tea towel if the cauliflower is still hot, rub the large florets between your hands to break up the curds.
-
15
(chop the stems and add back to the dish or save it for soup.
-
16
This is a better use, then throwing good food out).
-
17
Add the curds to the cream mixture and stir until the cheese is thoroughly melted and combined.
-
18
Spread the cauliflower mixture in the prepared baking dish, place on the middle rack, and bake for 20 minutes.
-
19
Remove the baking dish and turn the broiler to high.
-
20
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 ounce cheese atop the cauliflower.
-
21
Place on the top rack and broil until the top is bubbly and appropriately brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
-
22
Rest 10 minutes before serving.
