Broccoli And Egg Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy broccoli au gratin with tender spears, enriched with eggs and a savory sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim off large leaves and tough ends of broccoli.
- Wash and separate broccoli into spears.
- Cook broccoli in boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender.
- Arrange broccoli spears in a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with chopped hard-cooked eggs and sliced Cheddar cheese.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat; add flour and stir until smooth.
- Cook the mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk, cooking over medium heat and stirring until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and salt.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli mixture.
- Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan and stir in dry breadcrumbs.
- Brown the breadcrumb mixture lightly and sprinkle over the sauce.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cut broccoli florets can save you some prep work. To enhance the flavor, try adding minced garlic or onion to the butter before mixing in the breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli and Egg Au Gratin makes a delightful main dish or a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a Pineapple-Strawberry Salad, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It’s also an excellent addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like Chew Cakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the au gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, although the breadcrumbs may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Egg Au Gratin contains roughly 1026 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1335mg per serving (58% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for convenience, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the dish. Cook it for a shorter time than fresh broccoli to prevent overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
To make this dish fully vegetarian, simply replace the hard-cooked eggs with a scrambled tofu mixture or omit them entirely. The cheesy sauce and broccoli still provide a delicious flavor and texture.
What can I serve with Broccoli and Egg Au Gratin?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of items. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup. It also complements brunch favorites like a quiche or frittata.
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).