Imagine a warm and bubbling casserole filled with tender broccoli, creamy cheddar sauce, and a golden crown of crispy fried onions — that’s the Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions. This dish is the embodiment of cozy comfort food, boasting rich flavors, creamy textures, and that irresistible crunch every gratin lover craves. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or making it the star of your weeknight table, this recipe is easy to make but decadent enough to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is that you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, and each one brings something special to the table. From velvety cheddar to the zing of garlic and that addictive crispy onion finish, here’s what you’ll need and why you absolutely don’t want to skip a single thing.
- Broccoli florets: Use fresh or thawed frozen broccoli for the heart of the dish; their earthy bite is the perfect canvas for cheesy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of a luscious roux and builds the rich flavor you want in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Partners with the butter to thicken the sauce until silky and smooth.
- Milk: Provides creaminess and ensures the gratin sauce isn’t overly heavy.
- Heavy cream: Adds extra richness for a truly indulgent, velvety cheese sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese — its sharp bite cuts through the cream for maximum cheesy flavor.
- Garlic powder: Lends a gentle kick that makes the cheese sauce taste even more inviting.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savoriness and plays beautifully with the fried onion topping.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A pinch of pepper balances the richness with a subtle heat.
- Crispy fried onions: The pièce de résistance; they provide the golden crunch that makes Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions utterly addictive.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with a touch of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your gratin won’t stick and makes serving so much easier later on. Prep work now means less cleanup and more time savoring your Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions!
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-size florets for even cooking. Steam or blanch the florets for 3–4 minutes, just until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain any excess water so your gratin doesn’t turn soupy. Either way, set the broccoli aside while you move on to the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheddar Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour. Let it cook for about a minute until it’s bubbly and lightly golden — this step is crucial to get rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Now, drop in one cup of cheddar cheese, the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until it all melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Add the steamed or blanched broccoli directly into the sauce, gently folding it in so every floret gets coated in that luscious cheddar mixture. This is where the Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions magic really starts to happen!
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then shower with crispy fried onions. They’ll bake into a crispy, flavorful crust that’s positively irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and it’s easier to serve.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving to give this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions a pop of color and a touch of freshness. If you love a little kick, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works wonderfully against the creamy sauce and crispy topping.
Side Dishes
This gratin shines as a side with roasted meats such as turkey, prime rib, or glazed ham, making it a must-have for festive holiday spreads. But it’s equally at home alongside simple baked chicken, a bowl of soup, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the gratin in individual ramekins for show-stopping dinner party portions. Or, for potlucks, bring it in a sturdy casserole dish and watch it disappear in record time. Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is also fun served over baked potatoes or even tucked into a wrap for a quick, cheesy lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container to keep everything fresh and flavorful until your next craving strikes.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this gratin, making it ideal for meal planning or prepping ahead for holidays. Let the dish cool completely, then double-wrap with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge – do note the crispy onions will soften a bit, but a quick broil after reheating brings them right back.
Reheating
To reheat Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. For extra crunch, remove the foil for the last five minutes or give it a blast under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this gratin?
Absolutely! Try swapping in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Sharp cheddar delivers classic flavor, but other cheeses bring their own unique notes to Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux and be sure your crispy fried onions are gluten-free, too. The results will be just as delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare the gratin ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the dish up to the point of adding the crispy onions. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, add the onions and pop it in the oven. This makes holiday hosting a breeze!
What if I don’t have crispy fried onions?
No worries! You can top the gratin with fresh breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter and bake until crisp. It won’t have the exact flavor, but you’ll still get that lovely crunch.
Can I use all milk or all cream instead of both?
You can! All milk will make the sauce a little lighter, while all cream results in an extra decadent gratin. Using both strikes a great balance, but adjust to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s guaranteed to turn any meal into a special occasion. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite and a must-have at gatherings big and small. Happy cooking — and dig in!
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Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Broccoli:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen and thawed)
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Combine broccoli and cheese sauce: Add the broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and sprinkle evenly with crispy fried onions.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can swap the cheddar for a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat or a splash of Dijon mustard to the sauce for depth.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a holiday side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
