Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is a comforting and cheesy side dish featuring steamed broccoli smothered in a creamy cheddar sauce and topped with crunchy French fried onions and crumbled croutons. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it serves 4 to 6 and makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli
- 2 pounds (32 oz.) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Topping
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled croutons
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender—about 5 minutes if using fresh broccoli or 10 minutes if using frozen. Then, transfer the steamed broccoli evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the steamed broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring all florets are well coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the French fried onions and crumbled croutons evenly over the top of the broccoli and cheese sauce for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbly. If the toppings brown too quickly, cover the gratin loosely with foil to prevent burning and continue baking until done.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving. Enjoy your comforting broccoli cheddar gratin!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk.
- To add extra flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the cheese sauce.
- If French fried onions are unavailable, crushed fried shallots can be a good alternative for topping.
- Ensure broccoli is steamed to just crisp-tender to avoid overcooking during baking.
- The dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
