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Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

cheddar broccoli cauliflower gratin - featured image

A comforting, cheesy gratin featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower baked in a creamy cheddar sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • Pinch of paprika
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften but are still bright in color. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
  5. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add ground mustard, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
  7. Place the blanched broccoli and cauliflower into the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly.
  8. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the vegetables, ensuring they’re fully coated.
  9. In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Blanching the broccoli and cauliflower ensures they cook evenly and retain their vibrant colors.’, ‘Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and texture.’, ‘Keep stirring the cheese sauce to prevent lumps or scorching.’, ‘Customize the topping with crushed crackers or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.’, ‘You can prepare the gratin a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli, cauliflower, gratin, cheesy, comfort food, holiday recipe, easy dinner, casserole, vegetarian