Golden Blend Au Gratin
Golden Blend Au Gratin combines seasoned vegetables with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs; perfect for family dinners or comforting side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Thaw vegetables under cool tap water and drain.
- Melt margarine in a skillet.
- Stir in flour and onion salt, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Add cheese slices, stirring until melted.
- Place vegetables in the cheese sauce.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you don't have American processed cheese, you can substitute with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a different flavor profile. To make it a bit healthier, try using whole wheat bread crumbs instead of regular ones.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some baked chicken for a hearty meal. You might also serve it alongside some Jailhouse Rolls for a comforting dinner. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the vegetable mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Golden Blend Au Gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Blend Au Gratin contains roughly 743 calories, with 10g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% 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, you can use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften before adding them to the cheese sauce. This will help ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
What can I use instead of American processed cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute American processed cheese with a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. This will give a deliciously gooey texture and a richer flavor to your au gratin dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce. You can also top the dish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for 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).