If you crave a side dish that’s comforting, crave-worthy, and just a touch indulgent, Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender broccoli nestled in a dreamy, cheesy sauce, all crowned with savory crispy onions and a sprinkle of golden Parmesan. It’s a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping favorite, and I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks to help you make this irresistibly bubbly gratin at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions comes from its simple ingredients, each playing a unique role in delivering maximum flavor, creamy texture, and that delectable signature crust.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, broccoli is the nutritious heart of this dish, lending gorgeous color and satisfying crunch.
- Unsalted butter: The base for a luscious roux, butter gives richness to your sauce without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite gently hugs the broccoli.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess while keeping things light enough to let the sharp cheddar shine.
- Heavy cream: For an ultra-silky, decadent gratin, nothing beats a little splash of cream.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The bold, tangy cheese you love, melted into every forkful.
- Garlic powder: Subtly infuses the sauce with gentle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Onion powder: Boosts the savory profile and pairs beautifully with the crispy onions on top.
- Salt: Draws out flavors from the cheese, broccoli, and sauce—don’t skip this step for the best taste!
- Black pepper: A touch of pepper balances richness with a gentle pop of heat.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds classic gratin charm, rounding out all the creamy flavors.
- Crispy fried onions: That irresistible, crunchy golden topping is a must for Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan not only boosts the umami, but also adds an extra layer of savory goodness to the crust.
- Cooking spray or extra butter: For greasing, so your gratin lifts out beautifully every time.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a swipe of butter. This little bit of prep sets you up for easy cleanup and ensures nothing sticks to the dish later.
Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil or set up a steamer basket. Cook your broccoli florets for just 2–3 minutes, until they’re bright green and barely tender. Drain well and set aside. Quick-cooking keeps their texture spot-on (nobody wants mushy gratin!), and those vibrant colors will pop.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheddar Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk for a solid minute to form a nutty, fragrant roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly to keep things lump-free. After a few minutes, the mixture will thicken to the perfect sauce consistency. Reduce the heat, stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and that hint of nutmeg. Keep stirring until you have a silky, smooth, deeply cheesy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Add your drained broccoli right into that pot of luscious cheese sauce. Gently fold to coat the florets, ensuring every piece is blanketed in creamy goodness. This step guarantees you’ll have cheesy sauce in every bite of your Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Crunch
Pour the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly across, followed by a scatter of grated Parmesan. This creates the craveable, golden top every great gratin needs.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the topping is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be easier to scoop and the sauce will set slightly, holding everything together perfectly.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions
Garnishes
Sprinkle on a shower of fresh chopped parsley or snipped chives for a pop of color and a hint of garden brightness. Cracked black pepper or a light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving can take Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions from homey to holiday-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with roast chicken, seared steak, or a simple baked fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a hearty quinoa pilaf. Its creamy, cheesy richness also balances beautifully with fresh, tangy sides like marinated tomatoes or a light vinaigrette slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions into mini individual servings by baking them in ramekins—adorable, portion-friendly, and extra festive. Or, scoop leftovers into a warm baked potato, stuff a bell pepper, or spoon over a toasted English muffin for a next-level brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a meal prep champion for busy weeks or easy lunches.
Freezing
This gratin freezes surprisingly well! Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, add the crispy onions and Parmesan fresh just before reheating rather than before freezing, so they stay crunchy and bold.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). For single portions, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders, though it’s best to pop under the broiler for a minute to revive that irresistible crispy onion topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat the florets dry to avoid excess moisture in your Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions. The final texture will still be delicious, though fresh broccoli does stay a bit firmer.
What’s the best cheddar for this recipe?
I love a good sharp cheddar for its tangy bite and meltability, but you can experiment with mild cheddar, white cheddar, or even a blend for extra depth. Feel free to mix in some smoked cheddar for a flavor twist.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your crispy onions are gluten-free too. The results are just as creamy and comforting!
Can I prepare Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish (hold off on the crispy onions and Parmesan), cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Add the toppings just before baking to keep them delightfully crunchy.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and cut back slightly on the cheese. You’ll still have plenty of flavor and that signature, creamy texture you love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that punches way above its weight, give Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions a spot on your table. It’s a guaranteed favorite for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you crave something warm and cheesy. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly request!
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Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Broccoli Cheddar Gratin with a crispy onion topping. This creamy, cheesy dish is a perfect side for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 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
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- cooking spray or extra butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli until tender, then set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in cheddar, seasonings, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add broccoli to cheese sauce, then pour into baking dish. Top with crispy onions and Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can add cooked quinoa or rice to make it a complete vegetarian main dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
