Creamy Cauliflower and Broccoli Au Gratin
If you're searching for a side dish that satisfies and impresses, look no further. This cauliflower and broccoli au gratin is creamy, cheesy, and spiced just right! It's a recipe that you and your family will love!
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 428kcal
Ingredients
Au Gratin
- 3 cups cauliflower florets cut into like-size florets
- 3 cups broccoli florets cut into like-size florets
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Breadcrumb Topping
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Steam or boil cauliflower and broccoli florets until almost tender— about 4 minutes. You don't want them fully cooked since they will finish in the oven. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Light spray a 9x13 inch or 3-4 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the 6 Tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a paste, also known as a "roux". Cook and whisk the paste for about 1 minute, this help cooks out the flour taste. Then, slowly whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then whisk in the shredded cheese until smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Add a few spoonfuls of the cheese sauce to the bottom of the baking dish. Then, add the cauliflower and broccoli. Pour the remaining cheese sauce on top of the cauliflower and broccoli and gently stir together, making sure the florets are covered.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: Melt 3 Tablespoons of butter and stir in the Panko. Sprinkle over the cauliflower and broccoli.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes or until bubbly and slightly brown on the top. If you're like me and prefer a crispier top, use the broiler for 1 minute after it bakes (keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!)
- All to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: To freeze, prepare the au gratin through step 3— save the breadcrumbs right before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw 24 hours in the refrigerator, then top with breadcrumbs (if desired) and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until warm throughout.
- Milk: Using whole milk is strongly recommended for the creamiest sauce though 1% or 2% works as well.
- Cheese: Use a mix of freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and consistency. Pre-shredded cheese tends to be more dry.
Nutrition
Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1153mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1291IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 1mg
