Micro Broccoli Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy broccoli gratin with crispy bacon and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon slices in the microwave at high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until crisp. Allow to cool and crumble.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, bread crumbs, and crumbled bacon.
- In a baking dish, spread the frozen chopped broccoli evenly.
- Pour the condensed Cheddar cheese soup over the broccoli and mix gently.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb and bacon mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese soup with a homemade cheese sauce for a fresher flavor. If you have fresh broccoli, steam it briefly before adding to the dish. Make sure to press the bread crumbs down gently to create a nice crust while baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Micro Broccoli Au Gratin pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner. It also makes a great side dish for American recipes like Ham And Beans or Pork recipes, enhancing the meal with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will maintain the crispy topping better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Micro Broccoli Au Gratin contains roughly 1085 calories, with 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% 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 broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just steam it lightly until tender before adding it to the baking dish. This will help it cook evenly with the other ingredients and ensure it retains some crunch.
What can I use if I don't have cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have cheddar cheese soup, you can make a simple cheese sauce using milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and a bit of flour for thickening. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based butter alternative. You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed onions or garlic for a savory touch.
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).