Turkey Au Gratin
Turkey Au Gratin offers a hearty combination of tender turkey slices, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This comforting dish features a golden baked topping with a hint of paprika, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving classic flavors with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook turkey for 3 1/2 to 4 hours at 350°F.
- Cool turkey for 15 minutes, then slice thin.
- Steam broccoli for 4 minutes and arrange in a large roasting pan.
- Melt butter in a large pot over very low heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and blend.
- Cook the flour-butter mixture for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Add half and half, milk, grated Cheddar cheese, and garlic powder to the mixture; stir until well blended.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Add water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
- Drape turkey slices over the broccoli in the roasting pan.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the turkey and broccoli until fully covered.
- Sprinkle lightly with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a touch of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce mixture. If you're short on Cheddar, a mix of Gruyère and Monterey Jack can also work well. To save time, you can use pre-cooked turkey or leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving feast, making this dish a great way to use up leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkey Au Gratin with a light side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with your favorite vegetable side, such as roasted carrots or green beans. Consider serving with a slice of Company Cheesecake for dessert to finish the meal on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat as it may dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Au Gratin contains roughly 2049 calories, with 107g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (214% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1798mg per serving (78% 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, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. Just steam it according to package instructions before layering it in the roasting pan. This can save you prep time and ensures the broccoli is tender.
What can I substitute for half and half?
If you don't have half and half, you can make your own by mixing equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, you can use a combination of milk and sour cream for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, store it covered in the refrigerator, and then simply bake it when you're ready to serve. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
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).