Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is a deliciously creamy and cheesy vegetable side dish topped with crunchy fried onions and Parmesan. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this gratin combines fresh broccoli florets with a rich cheddar cheese sauce seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and nutmeg. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it offers a comforting balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish and broccoli: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until they are just tender but still vibrant green. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux without browning.
- Create the cheese sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine broccoli and cheese sauce: Add the steamed broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the broccoli evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the gratin: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the gratin sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
- To make this gratin a more substantial vegetarian main dish, consider adding cooked quinoa or rice to the broccoli and cheese mixture before baking.
- If you prefer, make your own crispy fried onions to customize flavor and reduce preservatives.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
