Description
This rich and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gratin is made with perfectly steamed broccoli, covered in a velvety sharp cheddar cheese sauce, and topped with crispy French fried onions and crumbled croutons. It’s a comforting side dish that will elevate any meal, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until crisp-tender—about 5 minutes for fresh broccoli or 10 minutes for frozen. Transfer the steamed broccoli to the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the Gratin: Pour the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli in the baking dish, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Top with Croutons and Fried Onions: Sprinkle the French fried onions and crumbled croutons evenly over the top of the gratin.
- Bake the Gratin: Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover the gratin with foil and continue baking.
- Serve: Let the gratin sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
- You can add extra vegetables such as cauliflower or carrots for added nutrition.
- If you don’t have French fried onions, try using crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs for the topping.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and croutons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of the gratin)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg