If you’re searching for a comforting side dish that bursts with flavor while sneaking in some greens, this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender broccoli florets smothered in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, then topped with a delightful crunch from crispy fried onions and crumbled croutons. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that elevates broccoli into a show-stopping dish perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you need a little cheesy goodness on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in balancing flavors, enhancing texture, and creating that golden crust you’ll adore.
- Broccoli florets (2 pounds): Fresh or frozen works beautifully, providing the star vegetable with a vibrant green color and satisfying bite.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Essential for the rich cheese sauce base and greasing the baking dish so nothing sticks.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): The thickening agent that transforms milk into a creamy, luscious cheese sauce.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Creates a smooth, velvety texture without overpowering the cheese’s flavor.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while keeping the dish well-seasoned.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth without overshadowing the cheddar.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Compliments the crispy onions topping, layering the onion flavor throughout.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): A tiny pinch elevates the cheese sauce with a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): The heart of the dish, delivering bold, tangy, and creamy cheesy goodness.
- French fried onions (1/2 cup): Provides that much-loved crispy texture and irresistible crunch on top.
- Crumbled croutons (1/2 cup): Adds extra crunch and a subtle toasted flavor to finish the gratin perfectly.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your gratin to that creamy, bubbly perfection. Don’t forget to grease your 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray so the gratin releases effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Steam your broccoli until it’s crisp-tender. Fresh broccoli typically takes about 5 minutes while frozen needs around 10 minutes. Steaming instead of boiling keeps those vibrant green florets firm and full of nutrients, and ready to soak up that glorious cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux, which will thicken your sauce delightfully. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Season this creamy base with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and just a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor complexity. Bring it all to a boil, then simmer until thickened—about 5 minutes. Once thick and velvety, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into smooth, cheesy bliss.
Step 4: Assemble the Gratin
Place the steamed broccoli into your prepared baking dish and pour the luscious cheese sauce evenly over the florets, making sure every piece is well coated. This step is where the magic begins, marrying the broccoli and cheese before the oven transforms them.
Step 5: Top with Croutons and Fried Onions
Generously sprinkle the French fried onions and crumbled croutons over the top. These toppings create that signature crispy, golden crust which contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake the Gratin
Bake the dish for 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. If you notice the top browning too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing the fillings to heat through perfectly.
Step 7: Serve
Let your gratin rest for about 5 minutes after baking — this helps the sauce settle slightly, making serving easier and the flavors even better. Then dive into that irresistible mix of creamy broccoli, sharp cheese, and crunchy onion topping!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and added flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over your gratin just before serving. It brightens the dish and adds subtle herbal notes that balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It also complements vegetarian mains perfectly or can be served alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter meal contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this gratin in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties. Or present it as a centerpiece in a rustic casserole dish, letting everyone help themselves to the creamy, cheesy delight paired with the irresistible crispy top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your broccoli cheddar gratin tastes just as good the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy reheat when you want a comforting dish in a hurry.
Freezing
You can freeze this gratin before or after baking. Simply cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect prep-ahead comfort food option.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers or thawed gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping regains its crispy charm, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and is very convenient. Just steam it a little longer to ensure it’s tender before assembling the gratin.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal because it provides a bold, tangy flavor and melts smoothly for that signature creamy sauce. You can experiment with mixes like white cheddar or Gruyère for a twist.
Are the crispy onions necessary?
They add fantastic texture and an oniony crunch that really elevates the dish. While you could skip them, the gratin won’t have quite the same satisfying finish.
Is nutmeg essential in the cheese sauce?
Nutmeg is traditional in cheese sauces and adds a subtle warming note that enhances the overall flavor. A small pinch goes a long way, so don’t omit if you can help it!
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since the cheese sauce is central to the recipe, but you can try using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest, combining creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and that irresistible crispy topping. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or adding a touch of homemade magic to a holiday spread, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. You won’t regret it!
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Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is a creamy, cheesy baked casserole featuring tender broccoli florets topped with a crunchy mix of French fried onions and crumbled croutons. The gratin is made with a rich cheddar cheese sauce flavored with garlic, onion powder, and a hint of nutmeg, baked until golden and bubbling for a comforting, flavorful side dish perfect for dinner or holiday meals.
Ingredients
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until crisp-tender—approximately 5 minutes for fresh broccoli or 10 minutes for frozen. Once steamed, transfer the broccoli evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Gratin: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the steamed broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring all florets are coated well.
- Top with Croutons and Fried Onions: Evenly sprinkle the French fried onions and crumbled croutons over the top of the cheese-covered broccoli for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the gratin with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
- Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy broccoli gratin with a crispy onion topping!
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli; steaming times differ accordingly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce to taste; the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth.
- If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the amount of fried onions and croutons.
- Make sure to steam broccoli until just tender to retain a slight bite and vibrant color.
