Broccoli And Eggs Au Gratin
A cheesy, comforting broccoli and egg au gratin with a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring tender broccoli, chopped eggs, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim off large leaves and tough ends of lower stalks of broccoli.
- Wash broccoli thoroughly and separate into spears. Cook 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 heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth.
- Cook the flour mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and salt.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli, eggs, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy saucepan; stir in bread crumbs and brown lightly.
- Sprinkle the browned bread crumbs over the sauce.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the cheese sauce. If you're out of Cheddar, Gruyère or Monterey Jack also work well as substitutes. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and a reduced amount of butter. If you want extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. It can also be a delightful side dish for holiday gatherings. For more vegetarian recipes, consider browsing options that highlight seasonal vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will help retain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Eggs Au Gratin contains roughly 661 calories, with 18g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of hard-cooked eggs?
If you're looking for a vegan alternative, consider using silken tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water as a substitute for eggs. This will help bind the dish while still providing a creamy texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce and check that your bread crumbs are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavor and texture while adhering to gluten-free dietary needs.
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).