Prepare to transform the humble broccoli into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin is not just a side dish – it's a creamy, golden-brown sensation that turns ordinary vegetables into an irresistible culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to make vegetables more exciting, this recipe is your secret weapon to turning broccoli skeptics into true believers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Cut any large florets into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
- Arrange the broccoli florets in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the broccoli and sauce, creating a generous cheese layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Always use fresh, crisp broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor. Avoid frozen broccoli as it can become too watery.
- Cheese Matters: Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. For extra richness, try mixing in some gruyère or parmesan.
- Prevent Watery Sauce: Pat the broccoli completely dry before adding the cheese sauce to prevent excess moisture.
- Roux Technique: Take your time when making the roux – constant whisking prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cheese Topping Trick: For a perfectly golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
