My very favorite Broccoli au Gratin Casserole. It is always popular with family and friends.
One of the most popular dishes I make each Thanksgiving is a Super Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole. It is actually an easy dish to make from scratch and doesn’t take very long from start to serve, so I recently decided to make a batch as a bit of a treat & readily available meatless dish or side. Boy, was it good, and also convenient to have on hand during the hectic school week.
By making your own simple cheese sauce from scratch for the broccoli cheese casserole, rather than using something from a can or box, you avoid a lot of chemicals and preservatives. It is very easy and quick to make. I assure you, after making it a couple times, you won’t bother with the canned or powdered stuff again.
- 2 quarts broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter or spread
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable base preferably msg free
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 2 tbs. butter or spread
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place the florets in a glass or ceramic bowl, add the 1/4 cup of water, cover with plastic wrap and steam in the microwave for 5 minutes, then drain the broccoli, and arrange in a 2 qt casserole dish (I usually use an 8x8).
- Prepare the topping for the casserole, by mixing half of the butter/spread into the Panko crumbs.
- While the broccoli is steaming, melt the remaining butter in saucepan over med-high heat. Once melted add garlic & stir.
- After the garlic is cooked through and soft (only takes about a minute), add milk, flour and base. Whisk well, and continue to whisk frequently. Cooking until the sauce readily coats the back of a spoon (see image).
- Remove the sauce from burner, then add 1/2 the cheese. Stir until cheese is melted, then pour over the broccoli evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole, then evenly cover with topping.
- Bake for 20-24 minutes, until crumbs are golden brown.
Kathleen says
09/06/2013 atThis looks incredible. I love broccoli, but broccoli smothered in cheese can’t be beat.
Shell Feis says
09/06/2013 atPinned this & totally adding it to my meal plan for next week!
Theresa says
09/06/2013 atOh my goodness this looks yummy.
Alison says
09/07/2013 atThis looks amazing!!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
09/07/2013 atIt’s crazy that we are thinking Thanksgiving but it’s right around the corner. This does look like a perfect side dish.
Colleen says
09/07/2013 atMy daughter and I both LOVE broccoli and cheese and this would be something yummy that we would enjoy together.
Jennifer says
09/07/2013 atI’ve never heard of Au Gratin without potatoes. I thought that’s what makes it an “Au Gratin”, lol. Interesting but yet this sounds so delicious
courtney says
09/07/2013 atThis is my kind of casserole! Hubby doesn’t like broccoli unless it’s covered with cheese – looks like it’s perfect for us both 🙂
Stefanie says
09/07/2013 atOh yum… this looks delicious!
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
09/08/2013 atlove country crock and I’d gobble that up YUMM
Lolo says
09/08/2013 atCheesy broccoli goodness! Looks amazing!
HilLesha says
09/08/2013 atI love casseroles and this one looks very easy to make. 🙂
Angela says
09/08/2013 atThis looks super yummy and is something my family would enjoy!
Marcie W. says
09/09/2013 atI really love incorporating casseroles into my meal plans since they are both delicious and easy! I think the panko on top would give this dish the perfect crunch.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
09/18/2013 atYum, broccoli and cheese! Delicious.