A warm, cheesy broccoli bake with a crispy top.
introduction
Gratin Broccoli is broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a crunchy crumb top. It is easy to make and comfort food for many meals. You can see more simple dishes by Emily’s recipes.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, uses few ingredients, and tastes rich and creamy. It turns plain broccoli into a dish kids and adults like. It works as a side for weeknight dinners or as a main with a salad.
how to make Gratin Broccoli
Steam the broccoli until it is just tender. Make a simple cheese sauce by cooking butter and flour, then adding milk and cheese. Mix the broccoli with the sauce, put it in a baking dish, and sprinkle breadcrumbs and more cheese on top. Bake until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam broccoli florets until tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Combine broccoli with cheese sauce; pour into a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and a bit more cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
how to serve Gratin Broccoli
Serve hot from the oven so the top stays crisp. Offer it as a side to roasted chicken, pork, or fish. It also works with a simple green salad for a light meal.
how to store Gratin Broccoli
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly. You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Gratin Broccoli
- Do not overcook broccoli when steaming; it should be slightly firm.
- Make the sauce thick enough so it holds the broccoli but not dry.
- Use sharp cheddar for more flavor or mix cheeses for a richer taste.
- Toast the breadcrumbs a little in butter for extra crunch.
- Let the gratin rest 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked diced ham or bacon for a meaty version.
- Mix in 1/4 teaspoon mustard or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for more depth.
- Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or panko for different texture.
- Use cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well, or steam frozen broccoli a bit less so it does not become mushy.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish and cover in the fridge. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar works well. You can also use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use low-fat milk and less cheese, and skip extra butter on the crumbs.
Conclusion
This Gratin Broccoli recipe is a simple way to make broccoli tasty and comforting; for a classic take on a similar dish, see Broccoli au Gratin recipe at The Kitchn.
Print
Gratin Broccoli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, cheesy broccoli bake with a crispy top, perfect for transforming plain broccoli into a delicious side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam broccoli florets until tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Combine broccoli with cheese sauce; pour into a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and a bit more cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
