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Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 77 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Assemble the Gratin: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the steamed broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring all florets are coated well.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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Find it online: https://quickpantrymeals.com/broccoli-cheddar-gratin-with-crispy-onions-recipe/