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
Scale
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
