Broccoflower Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy broccoflower and broccoli gratin topped with crispy bacon and bread crumbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen broccoli tips and cauliflower according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked vegetables.
- Place the drained vegetables in a greased 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, blend Cheddar cheese soup with milk and pour over the vegetables.
- Top the dish with bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Fry bacon until crispy, crumble, and garnish the gratin with bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a handful of shredded cheddar or a splash of cream to the soup mixture. You can substitute fresh broccoli and cauliflower if preferred, adjusting the cooking time as needed. For a twist, mix in some sautéed onions or garlic for added flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with Shrimp Entree Soup for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Broccoflower Au Gratin as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. It complements well with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, pair it with Bacon-Turkey Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the rich gratin. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can change the texture of the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoflower Au Gratin contains roughly 498 calories, with 11g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, using fresh broccoli and cauliflower is a great option! Just make sure to blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding them to the dish to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also enhance the dish with extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking can also give it an extra kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).