Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

Ingredients

  • For the Vegetables:
    • 2 cups broccoli florets
    • 2 cups cauliflower florets
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Cheese Sauce:
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Topping:
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works well for extra crunch)
    • 1 tablespoon melted butter
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
    • Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine the Vegetables and Sauce:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli and cauliflower with the cheese sauce. Stir until the vegetables are well coated.
  5. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Assemble the Gratin:
    • Pour the broccoli and cauliflower mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

  • Cheese Variations: You can use different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the gratin ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Enjoy this Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratinas a comforting side dish that everyone will love!

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