Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe
This broccoli au gratin is a creamy and cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli florets smothered in a rich, savory cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with any meal.
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 237kcal
Ingredients
- 5 cups Broccoli chopped
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Flour
- 1.5 cups Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar freshly shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere Cheese freshly shredded
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 tbsp Butter
Instructions
Making the Broccoli Au Gratin
- Clean and dry the broccoli. Trim the broccoli head and stems into pieces and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick paste (roux) and begins to turn golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the broccoli into the cheese sauce and fold it together until fully mixed.
- Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a large cast iron pan or baking dish and set aside.
Making the Topping
- In a small saucepan over medium low heat, add the butter and let it melt.
- Toss the panko crumbs into the melted butter and lightly toast until just golden brown, stirring as needed so they do not burn.
- Remove the pan from the heat and carefully top the broccoli and cheese mixture with the panko crumbs. Then sprinkle on the shredded parmesan cheese.
Baking Instrctions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Bake the au gratin on the center rack for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Smoking Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 375 F. and set for indirect heat.
- Place the assembled dish on the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly infused with a smoky aroma.
Serving
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crunchy Broccoli Au Gratin!
Notes
Feel free to substitute the topping for French fried onions, crispy rice cereal, or crushed butter crackers.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 803IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 309mg | Iron: 1mg