If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a satisfying crunch, then you absolutely must try this Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe. This dish elevates humble broccoli into a rich, cheesy masterpiece with a luscious cheddar sauce wrapped around tender florets, topped with irresistibly crispy fried onions. It’s the kind of side that steals the show at any dinner table and feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a holiday gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, creating that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy topping that makes the dish truly shine.
- Broccoli florets (1 1/2 pounds): Fresh and vibrant, provide the hearty vegetable base with great texture.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the roux, which forms the creamy cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that silky cheese-coated feel.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Balances creaminess with lightness in the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Intensifies the creamy texture for luxurious depth.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Brings bold, tangy flavor essential for a classic gratin.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes subtly without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Echoes the crispy onion topping’s flavor, tying the dish together.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season perfectly to bring out all the flavors beautifully.
- Crispy fried onions (1 cup): The star crunchy topping that adds texture and irresistible appeal.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. Then, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for just 2 to 3 minutes — this keeps them perfectly tender yet still vibrant green. Drain well and get ready for the next step that transforms these florets into cheesy magic.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cooking the roux for about a minute removes any raw flour taste and sets the foundation for your creamy sauce. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is silky smooth and irresistibly cheesy.
Step 3: Combine Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Gently toss the blanched broccoli in the cheese sauce, making sure every floret is thoroughly coated. This is where simple broccoli gets a rich upgrade, enveloped in luscious, flavorful cheese that promises every bite will be comfort-filled and delicious.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, generously sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top to create that signature golden crust you’ll love. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the gratin bubbles and the onion topping turns beautifully golden and crisp. Let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving — that brief wait makes it easier to slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe even more enticing, sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top. These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild brightness that cuts through the richness, making every serving look and taste more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This gratin can easily steal the spotlight, but it pairs beautifully with simply roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or baked fish. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve alongside a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance all that cheesy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. You can also turn leftovers into a filling for baked potatoes or add them to pasta dishes for a creamy, crunchy surprise. This recipe’s versatility means it’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your broccoli cheddar gratin with crispy onions tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors again without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze this gratin, although the texture of the crispy onions may soften. To freeze, place the prepared (but unbaked) mixture in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it cooks through and bubbles nicely.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbling. This method helps keep the top crust a bit crispy and the cheese sauce creamy. If short on time, the microwave works too but may result in a softer topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before using to avoid excess moisture in your gratin, which can affect the sauce’s consistency.
What can I substitute for the crispy fried onions?
If you want a homemade alternative, you can fry thinly sliced onions until golden and crispy. Panko breadcrumbs toasted with a bit of butter and seasoning also make a delicious crunchy topping.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as long as you use cheese made without animal rennet and crispy onions that do not contain any meat products.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free crispy onions for the topping to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is this gratin?
This Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe is not spicy at all, making it perfect for all palates. The seasoning is gentle and relies on garlic and onion powders for flavor rather than heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe that makes it a staple for comfort food lovers everywhere. The creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and crunchy topping create a harmony that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon — it’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and has everyone asking for seconds at the table.
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Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Gratin topped with crispy fried onions, perfect as a comforting vegetable side dish. This recipe features tender broccoli florets coated in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden with a delightful crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep the texture crisp-tender.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes, creating a smooth and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and cheese is fully melted.
- Toss Broccoli in Sauce: Add the prepared broccoli to the cheese sauce and gently toss to ensure all florets are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the broccoli and cheese sauce mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the gratin with crispy fried onions for a delicious crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the gratin is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the gratin sit for 5 minutes after baking to set slightly, then serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute cauliflower or use a broccoli-cauliflower mix for variation.
- For a richer flavor, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making it ideal for meal prep.
