Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole is by far my favored Thanksgiving or Christmas veggie side dish! I love broccoli in every form, whether raw or cooked. (except over-cooked mushy broccoli) but, this broccoli casserole truly takes this healthy vegetable over the top.
I first tried Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole years ago when my sweet mother-in-law made it for Thanksgiving. This delicious veggie side dish was also one of her favorites. I asked for the recipe and have made it regularly not only for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but also whenever I get craving the best broccoli casserole ever!
When Thanksgiving or Christmas are coming up, I start preparing side dishes and desserts weeks in advance! This Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole can be made up, assembled, and frozen way ahead, giving it another bonus.
As I said in the Slow Cooker Stuffing recipe, side dishes are the best part of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners!! We always have everyones favorite side dishes along with the star of the show, turkey! So, this will include Holiday Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, 7 Layer Salad, Slow Cooker Stuffing, corn and possibly carrots, Homemade Honey Buns and of course always must include Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole.
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Broccoli Benefits and History
Broccoli is in the cabbage family and has its “roots” traced back to the 6th Century. It was cultivated from a wild cabbage in Italy more than 2000 years ago but did not become popular in America until the 1920s. This delicious vegetable has SO many health benefits. Honestly, according to Broccoli 101: Nutrition Facts & Benefits, we could all stand to eat more of this tasty flower!!
Why You will LOVE Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole!
- Broccoli is the yummiest!
- Creamy, flavorful sauce to float the broccoli florets in.
- Crunchy, cheesy topping.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
- Easy side dish.
- Tasty way to get more veggies in!
This broccoli casserole does not have eggs, mayonnaise, or canned soup. The broccoli flavor truly shines through and it is a lighter broccoli side dish than some. Broccoli casserole recipe is pure deliciousness!
Simple to prepare, Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole is a true made-from-scratch, holiday side dish! I always use easy to find ingredients. This recipe is a well-loved comfort food in our family and hopefully will become a favorite in your family as well!!
Ingredients for Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole
For the broccoli part
- Broccoli, I buy the 2 lb bag of florets, they are the easiest to prepare.
- Butter
- Garlic and Onion, finely chopped
- Flour
- Milk
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne
- Cheddar cheese, using sharp cheddar gives the most flavor.
For the Topping
- Ritz cracker crumbs, or you can use bread crumbs.
- Melted butter
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Parsley flakes
How to Make Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole
For the broccoli part
1.Cut the broccoli in bite sized pieces and steam just until tender. Strain and set aside.
2.Place butter in a large saucepan with the onions and garlic. Saute until the onions and garlic are clear.
3.Add flour, cook, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes.
4.Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil, until thickened.
5.Add seasonings and cheese, stir to melt the cheese.
6.Remove from heat and add the broccoli. Gently combine the broccoli with the cheese sauce.
7.Place in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
For the Topping
1.Combine all ingredients and sprinkle on top of broccoli.
2.Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
To Freeze Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole
- To freeze ahead, place the topping in a seperate sealed plastic bag. Cover the broccoli casserole with plastic wrap and freeze both for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, refrigerate for 24 hours, then sprinkle the topping on and bake as directed.
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Other Tasty Side Dishes to Try
Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole
Simple to prepare, Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole is a true made-from-scratch, holiday side dish! I always use easy to find ingredients. This recipe is a well-loved comfort food in our family and hopefully will become a favorite in your family as well!!
Ingredients
For the broccoli part
For the Topping
Instructions
For the broccoli part
Cut the broccoli in bite sized pieces and steam just until tender. Strain and set aside.
Place butter in a large saucepan with the onions and garlic. Saute until the onions and garlic are clear.
Add flour, cook, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes.
Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil, until thickened.
Add seasonings and cheese, stir to melt the cheese.
Remove from heat and add the broccoli. Gently combine the broccoli with the cheese sauce.
Place in a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
For the Topping
Combine all ingredients and sprinkle on top of broccoli.
Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 227kcal
- Calories from Fat 136kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.4g24%
- Sodium 461mg20%
- Potassium 350mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 2.7g11%
- Protein 9g18%
- Vitamin A 41 IU
- Vitamin C 91 mg
- Calcium 22 mg
- Vitamin K 88 mcg
- Thiamin 11 mg
- Riboflavin 25 mg
- Vitamin B6 15 mg
- Folate 17 mcg
- Vitamin B12 17 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 15 mg
- Phosphorus 29 mg
- Magnesium 10 mmol
- Zinc 16 mcg
- Selenium 18 mg
- Manganese 18 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Be sure to not overcook the broccoli, it should be just lightly steamed. Actually the broccoli tastes best if it is just barely cooked.
Grate your own cheddar, the pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as nicely.
Can use cauliflower instead of broccoli.
Cut the broccoli florets into equal, bite-sized pieces before steaming them.
