Introduction:
This Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin is a creamy and comforting dish that combines two classic vegetables with a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy the goodness of broccoli and cauliflower while indulging in a savory, cheesy experience. Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or as a side dish to complement roasted meats, this gratin will surely become a favorite!
Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Vegetables: In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets for about 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain the vegetables and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a thick paste).
Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Vegetables and Sauce: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, ensuring they’re well coated.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the gratin.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Optional: Sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Description:
This cheesy broccoli and cauliflower gratin is a luxurious dish that transforms the simple vegetables into a decadent side. The rich, creamy cheese sauce envelops the florets, creating a deliciously indulgent meal that is both comforting and flavorful. Topped with a layer of melted cheese, this gratin has a satisfying texture that will please everyone at the table.
Tips:
Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda to customize the flavor.
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, you can add a bit of cream to the sauce along with the milk.
Vegetable Variations: You can add or swap vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or even zucchini for extra variety.
Make Ahead: This gratin can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when ready to serve.
Crusty Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking, or add a few pats of butter for extra crispiness.
Variations:
Bacon and Cheddar: Add cooked bacon crumbles to the gratin for a smoky flavor.
Spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the sauce if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Vegan Option: Replace the dairy with plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version of this gratin.
Correction:
If you notice the sauce is too thick, add more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Make sure not to overcook the vegetables when blanching, as they can become too soft and lose texture during baking.
Enjoy!
This Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin is a delightful and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or as a side for a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy every cheesy bite!