Broccoli Gratin with Cheese Sauce

Name: Broccoli Gratin with Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into florets; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Author: Tessa

Published: August 2, 2025

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Broccoli Gratin has been my go-to side dish for bringing a smile to everyone’s face, even the pickiest eaters, since I first stumbled upon this magical combination of tender-crisp broccoli and luscious cheese sauce. It’s truly a comforting classic that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. I remember trying a version at a potluck years ago and being absolutely captivated by its creamy texture and cheesy goodness. I just knew I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen!

This recipe isn’t just a side; it’s a star in its own right, versatile enough to accompany a festive holiday roast or simply elevate a weeknight chicken dinner. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, and for good reason. The rich, bubbly cheese topping and perfectly cooked broccoli florets are a match made in heaven. Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Gratin

Making this Broccoli Gratin is a joyous experience that brings so much to your table. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a family favorite:

It’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, perfect for any meal.
The recipe is straightforward, even for novice cooks.
It’s a fantastic way to get everyone to enjoy their vegetables.
You can easily prepare it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

The Irresistible Charm of Broccoli Gratin

The secret to this Broccoli Gratin’s universal appeal lies in its perfect balance. It’s not just cheesy; it’s a symphony of tender, vibrant broccoli enveloped in a luxurious, velvety cheese sauce that bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that truly makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients for Your Best Broccoli Gratin

Crafting the perfect Broccoli Gratin starts with selecting the right ingredients. You’ll need fresh broccoli, butter, flour, milk, a few seasonings, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that irresistible creamy, cheesy goodness we all love.

Broccoli Gratin - detail 1

Gathering Your Broccoli Gratin Ingredients

For this delicious Broccoli Gratin, make sure you have 1 1/2 pounds of fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets. You’ll also need 3 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 2 cups of whole milk for that rich, creamy base. Season simply with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. The star cheese is 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which you’ll divide for the sauce and topping. Finally, grab 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs for that golden, crispy crust.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Broccoli Gratin

Making a truly amazing Broccoli Gratin is all about following a few simple steps that build flavor and texture. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each part, from getting your broccoli just right to creating that dreamy cheese sauce and baking it to golden perfection. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen!

Preparing Your Broccoli Gratin

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish; this ensures your Broccoli Gratin won’t stick. Now, let’s get that broccoli ready! Steam or blanch your fresh broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want them cooked enough to be tender, but still have a slight bite – not mushy! Once done, drain the broccoli very, very well. Excess water will thin out your delicious cheese sauce, so don’t skip this important step.

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce for Broccoli Gratin

The heart of any good Broccoli Gratin is its cheese sauce, and this one is simple yet divine. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This is your roux, and it’s essential for thickening the sauce. Next, gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Keep cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. This creates a luscious, velvety sauce.

Assembling and Baking Your Broccoli Gratin

Now for the fun part – bringing it all together! Add the perfectly cooked broccoli florets directly into your creamy cheese sauce and gently stir to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the broccoli mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Broccoli Gratin is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and irresistible. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Broccoli Gratin - detail 2

Tips for Broccoli Gratin Perfection

To truly elevate your Broccoli Gratin from great to absolutely unforgettable, consider a few simple tweaks. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference – a little extra black pepper or a dash of cayenne can add a lovely kick. And remember, perfectly cooked broccoli is key; overcooked broccoli can make the gratin watery.

Mastering Your Broccoli Gratin

For an extra layer of warmth and sophistication in your Broccoli Gratin, try adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg to your cheese sauce – it really brings out the dairy notes. While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or a blend of Monterey Jack and Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Quality ingredients truly make a difference here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Gratin

I get a lot of questions about making and enjoying this Broccoli Gratin, so I wanted to answer some of the most common ones here. These tips will help you make the best gratin possible and ensure you can enjoy every last bite!

Can I Prepare Broccoli Gratin Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Broccoli Gratin is fantastic for making ahead. You can fully assemble it, including the topping, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold, or let it come to room temperature first.

What Are Good Substitutions for Cheese in Broccoli Gratin?

While cheddar is a classic for Broccoli Gratin, feel free to experiment! Gruyere adds a nutty, more sophisticated flavor, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, meltier texture. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella can also create a lovely, savory crust. Each cheese will subtly change the flavor profile of your delicious gratin.

How Do I Reheat Leftover Broccoli Gratin?

To reheat leftover Broccoli Gratin and keep it creamy, I recommend loosely covering it with foil and warming it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain that lovely texture and prevents it from drying out.

Serving and Storing Your Broccoli Gratin

Once your Broccoli Gratin emerges from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to set beautifully. This not only makes for cleaner servings but also prevents accidental burns from that bubbly cheese! For leftovers, cool the gratin completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ready to be reheated for another comforting meal.

Enjoying Your Delicious Broccoli Gratin

This versatile Broccoli Gratin pairs wonderfully with so many main courses. I love serving it alongside a juicy roasted chicken, a tender beef roast, or even simple baked fish. It also complements other vegetable sides like roasted carrots or a fresh green salad, making for a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying meal.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Broccoli Gratin

For one serving of this comforting Broccoli Gratin (approximately 1/8 of the recipe), you can expect around 320 calories, with 20g of fat (12g saturated), 20g of carbohydrates (4g fiber), and 15g of protein. Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and exact measurements of ingredients you use.

Your Feedback on This Broccoli Gratin

I absolutely adore hearing from you! If you try this Broccoli Gratin recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what you served it with, or any tips you discovered along the way. Your feedback helps our little cooking community grow, and I love seeing your creations! Don’t forget to tag me on social media if you share a picture!