broccoli au gratin recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best broccoli au gratin recipe

I’m so excited to share this broccoli au gratin recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m serving it at a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

The combination of tender broccoli, gooey cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs is just magic. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from me as the cook.

I can just throw everything together and let the oven do the rest. My family loves it when I serve this with some crusty bread or over rice – it’s the perfect comfort food. Plus, broccoli is packed with nutrients, so I feel good about feeding this to my kids (and husband!)

too. We make this recipe at least once a month, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping in the kitchen by sprinkling the breadcrumbs on top – they get so excited when they see how golden brown they get in the oven.

It’s really become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out! So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see why I love it so much.

Broccoli Au Gratin

Broccoli Au Gratin

4.6 from 505 votes

Tender broccoli florets are baked in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. This classic side dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for holiday dinners or a weeknight treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli

1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets
1 tablespoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon salt and the broccoli florets, then cook for 3 minutes until bright green and just tender.
3Drain the broccoli in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking; set aside.
4Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
6Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
7Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
8Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
9Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere until completely melted and smooth.
11The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon.
12Arrange the blanched broccoli florets in an even layer in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
13Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, making sure all florets are coated.
14In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan.
15Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sauced broccoli.
16Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
17Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
8×8-inch baking dish
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 17g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the cheddar by half. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Watch Video Of How Broccoli Au Gratin Works

This broccoli au gratin recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, and everyone will love it when you serve it up with some crusty bread or over rice.

The best part? It’s super easy to make ahead of time, so feel free to prep everything except for the breadcrumbs up until the day before you plan to serve it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Au Gratin

Q: What type of cheese should I use for the broccoli au gratin?

I like to use a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for this recipe – it gives it a nice sharp flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.

Q: Can I substitute other vegetables for the broccoli?

Yes! While broccoli is my favorite for this recipe, you can definitely use other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots if you prefer.

Q: How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy?

Make sure to sprinkle them on top of the dish just before baking – that way they’ll stay nice and crispy.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything except for the breadcrumbs up to a day in advance – just store them in separate containers until you’re ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have any cream of mushroom soup on hand?

No worries! You can omit it altogether if you don’t have it or substitute with another creamy sauce like sour cream or Greek yogurt.

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