Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, there’s something truly special about a rich, cheesy gratin. The addition of fresh broccoli takes it to a whole new level, offering a balance of texture and flavor that makes it an irresistible side dish. I first made this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions for a family dinner, and it was an instant hit. The sharp cheddar cheese sauce, combined with the crisp-tender broccoli and the crunchy topping of French fried onions and crumbled croutons, created the perfect mix of creamy and crispy. Even my pickiest eater couldn’t resist going back for seconds. This gratin is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special holiday gathering. It’s one of those dishes that brings both comfort and excitement to the table.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds (32 oz.) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups (8 oz.) grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup French fried onions
• 1/2 cup crumbled croutons

These ingredients come together to create a rich, cheesy, and indulgent dish that’s perfectly balanced with fresh, crisp broccoli and topped with a satisfying crunch from the fried onions and croutons.

Instructions

Making this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Steam the broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender. If using fresh broccoli, steam for about 5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, steam for about 10 minutes.
• Once done, transfer the steamed broccoli to the prepared baking dish and set it aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux (thickening base).
• Gradually whisk in the milk, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground nutmeg.
• Continue whisking the mixture until it comes to a boil and thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Assemble the Gratin:

• Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the steamed broccoli in the baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure the sauce coats the broccoli evenly.

5. Top with Crumbled Croutons and Fried Onions:

• Sprinkle the French fried onions and crumbled croutons generously over the top of the cheesy broccoli. This topping will create the perfect crispy contrast to the creamy dish.

6. Bake the Gratin:

• Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the dish is bubbly.
• If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning.

7. Serve:

• Once done, remove the gratin from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to serve.

Enjoy this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions as a side dish with your favorite main course!

Nutrition Facts

This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions makes about 4 to 6 servings. Below is the approximate nutrition information per serving:

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of the dish)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Note: These values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

This gratin is quick to prepare and doesn’t require hours of cooking, making it a great option for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.

How to Serve

This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• As a side for roasted meats: It’s a perfect companion for roasted chicken, turkey, or a nice steak.
• With pasta: Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dish for a cheesy vegetable side.
• At holiday meals: This dish is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive dinner.
• With a salad: Pair with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the gratin.
• With mashed potatoes: If you’re a fan of comfort food, this gratin complements creamy mashed potatoes perfectly.

Additional Tips

1. Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your cheddar cheese fresh for a creamier sauce.
2. For a healthier option: Use reduced-fat cheese and substitute the whole milk with a lower-fat option, like 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk.
3. Add more vegetables: You can mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added nutrition and variety.
4. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
5. Crunchy topping: For extra crunch, you can swap the French fried onions with crispy bacon bits or panko breadcrumbs.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Gratin: Use plant-based butter, flour, and cheese alternatives (such as vegan cheddar) to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the flour with almond flour or coconut flour and use a low-carb bread or homemade low-carb croutons for the topping.
• Herbed Broccoli Gratin: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Bacon Broccoli Gratin: Add crispy bacon bits to the gratin before baking for a smoky, savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With roasted meats: The gratin pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or even a grilled pork chop.
• As part of a vegetarian meal: Serve this gratin alongside a fresh salad or other veggie sides for a filling, vegetarian meal.
• With bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to help scoop up the cheesy sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This gratin can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to steam it before adding it to the baking dish.
2. Can I make this gratin ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the gratin a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with any cheese of your choice, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Colby.
4. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?
   Be sure to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) properly, and gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk), and vegan cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
6. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
7. Can I use a different type of topping?
   Absolutely! You can swap out the French fried onions for crispy bacon, panko breadcrumbs, or even grated Parmesan

.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your croutons are gluten-free.
9. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
10. How long does this dish take to bake?
    The gratin typically takes about 30 minutes to bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is the ultimate comfort food side dish, combining the richness of sharp cheddar cheese with the satisfying crunch of French fried onions and croutons. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday meal or a comforting side for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please!

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