Broccoli au Gratin is the perfect marriage of fresh, vibrant broccoli with rich, creamy cheese, all topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb layer. This classic casserole dish is the ultimate comfort food, making it a fantastic addition to any family meal. It transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, offering both deliciousness and warmth.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, and a great source of dietary fiber, broccoli helps support immune function and digestion.
- Cheddar and Gruyère Cheese: These cheeses provide a rich, savory flavor and are excellent sources of calcium and protein, essential for strong bones.
- Butter and Milk: These create the creamy base for the sauce, adding necessary fats and calcium.
- Onion and Garlic: Enhance the flavor and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, promoting heart health.
- Seasonings: Mustard, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) balance the flavors and add a slight kick.
Nutritional Information: Broccoli au Gratin is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. It offers a high fiber content from broccoli, protein, and calcium from the cheese, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, due to the cheese and butter, it’s also higher in calories and fats, so it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Tips:
- Choose Quality Cheese: Using high-quality Gruyère and Cheddar will elevate the dish’s flavor and creaminess.
- Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain its crunch and vibrant green color.
- Achieve a Crispy Topping: Brush melted butter over the panko breadcrumbs before broiling for a perfectly golden, crispy top.
- Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes to diversify the flavors and nutritional content.
Broccoli au Gratin is a satisfying and nutritious dish that combines comfort with a touch of elegance, making it an ideal choice for any meal.
Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin: The Ultimate Comfort Casserole
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 2 12-ounce packages fresh broccoli florets (about 8 cups)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted divided
- Onion: ½ cup chopped
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon chopped
- Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose
- Milk: 2¾ cups reduced-fat at room temperature
- Mustards: 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Seasonings: ¼ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cheeses: ¾ cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese divided; ¾ cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
- Panko Breadcrumbs: ¼ cup
- Garlic-and-Herb Seasoning: ¼ teaspoon salt-free
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to broil with rack in top third position. Prepare a 7-by-11-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain.
Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until browned and softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter; once melted, add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in milk; cook until slightly thickened (6-8 minutes).
- Add mustards, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using); stir until combined.
- Remove from heat; stir in half of the Cheddar and Gruyère until melted.
Assemble and Broil:
- Mix broccoli with cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheeses, panko, and garlic-and-herb seasoning.
- Broil until the top is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
Notes
Broccoli au Gratin typically contains about 250-300 calories per serving. This estimate includes ingredients like Cheddar and Gruyère cheese, butter, milk, and broccoli. The exact calorie count can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredient brands used.