broccoli au gratin recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
broccoli au gratin recipe
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The Best broccoli au gratin recipe

I’ve been making broccoli au gratin for years, and it’s still one of my go-to recipes for a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish originated in France, where it’s known as ‘brocolis au gratin,’ and has since become a staple in many American households.

The combination of tender broccoli, rich cheese sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs is a match made in heaven. I love how this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and can be made in under an hour.

My family always requests this dish when we’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day. I also appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or gatherings.

Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy, considering the amount of cheese involved! The key to making this recipe work is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese and breadcrumbs.

Don’t skimp on these, as they make all the difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

For example, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative. This makes it accessible to everyone at your table.

Broccoli au Gratin

Broccoli au Gratin

4.9 from 1961 votes

A classic side dish featuring tender broccoli florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. This comforting casserole is perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli

2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into florets
1 tablespoon salt (for blanching water)

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add 1 tablespoon of salt.
3Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender when pierced with a fork.
4Drain the broccoli in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5Shake off excess water and set aside.
6In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
7Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
8Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
9Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat.
11Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, nutmeg, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
12Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
13Arrange the blanched broccoli florets in an even layer in an 8×8 inch baking dish.
14Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli, spreading it evenly to coat all the florets.
15In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
16Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sauced broccoli.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
18Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
8×8 inch baking dish
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk. You can also add cooked bacon bits or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Broccoli au Gratin Works

Broccoli au gratin is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply bake it again until golden brown and serve hot.

This dish is also perfect for meal prep: assemble the casserole without baking it, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli au Gratin

1. What type of cheese should I use for broccoli au gratin?

The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your broccoli au gratin. I recommend using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for a rich and creamy sauce. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique twist.

2. Can I make broccoli au gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broccoli au gratin casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients without baking it, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

3. How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy?

To prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy, make sure to not overbake the casserole. Also, consider adding some extra breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crunchy topping.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly due to the added moisture from thawing.

5. Is broccoli au gratin suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, broccoli au gratin is suitable for vegetarians as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese options.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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