Cauliflower Sformato

This recipe comes from the 2010 October/November issue of Fine Cooking. Author Tasha DeSerio writes, "A sformato is an Italian version of a soufflé. If you like, you can bake the cauliflower mixture in individual ramekins or gratin dishes; just reduce the baking time."

Cauliflower Sformato
Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients
1 small cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil; more for the gratin dish
Kosher salt
1¾ ounces freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3¾ cups milk
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper

Directions
1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Core the cauliflower and separate it into florets. Cut the florets into ¼-inch-thick slices. Put the cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with the olive oil. Spread in an even layer, season with ½ teaspoon salt, and roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.
3. Raise the oven temperature to 400 deggres. Brush an 8x10-inch (2-quart) gratin dish with olive oil and evenly coat with about half of the Parmigiano. Set aside.
4. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just about to boil.
5. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns light golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Slowly add the hot milk, whisking constantly until very smooth. Bring just to a boil and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Add 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes to develop the flavor. Transfer to a large bowl.
6. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, yolks, and extra-virgin olive oil. Roughly chop ½ cup of the cauliflower, and purée the rest in a food processor. Stir the chopped cauliflower, cauliflower purée, egg mixture, and the remaining Parmigiano into the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into the prepared gratin dish and bake until the sformato is just set and browned around the edges, about 30 minutes. It should jiggle just a little when you remove it from the oven. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.