Not a Broccoli Enthusiast? Welcome to My Club!
Confession time – the idea of a broccoli-centered dinner doesn’t exactly get my taste buds doing the cha-cha. But, hey, veggies are a must, right? So, as someone who’s not exactly thrilled by broccoli in its natural state, I’m constantly on the hunt for ways to jazz it up. Enter this easy broccoli gratin recipe. This great recipe is a cheesy broccoli casserole that its going to be your new favorite vegetable side dish.
Table Of Contentes
Why this Recipe?
Well first, this is something different that all of the recipes sharing how to make broccoli on a baking sheet. Don’t you get tired of eating the same thing made the same way all the time? I do! So this is a great way to spice things up!
And second, let’s be real – broccoli doesn’t usually scream excitement. But, for the sake of health, we soldier on, searching for ways to make it not just palatable but genuinely enjoyable. That is why today I am sharing this broccoli recipe: it’s simple, it’s fuss-free with just three ingredients, and it works like magic. I promise, after trying this, you might just find yourself eagerly craving broccoli – yes, even if you never considered yourself a broccoli enthusiast.
Remember to try our Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe and our Best Cabbage Casserole Recipe if you like this recipe! they are also great ways to incorporate veggies into your diet even if you do not like them. Yes! these are that tasty! And also proof that melted cheese can make anything better 😉
Recipe Highlights:
- Effortless: This great broccoli side dish is a breeze to whip up with just three ingredients.
- Quick Prep: The entire process, from steaming to serving, takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare a delicious vegetable side dish
- Low Carb: A fantastic option for those keeping an eye on their carb intake.
- Simple Ingredients: You might even already have all of them in your fridge
Equipment:
- Blender: Essential for creating the creamy sauce
- Small casserole dish: To bake and serve the gratin.
- vegetable steamer or medium saucepan
Ingredients:
- Steamed Broccoli Head: Choose fresh broccoli or frozen from the produce section. Steam until its al-dente and you can pierce it with a fork, but, ensure it’s not overcooked.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, complementing the broccoli.
- Water: Used to adjust the thickness of the sauce, ensuring it coats the broccoli evenly.
- Mozzarella Cheese: To be added to the top of the broccoli + sauce. It is best not to use pre-shredded and shredded yourself. It melts to perfection, providing a cheesy finish. However, if you do not have any on hand, or simply you are busy then shredded cheese will do. In fact, I have a confession to make. I have been using pre-shredded cheese frequently now that I have three little ones. So I won’t judge you. Do what you must and soldier on 🙂
Directions:
- Boil or steam half of the broccoli until it’s slightly tender. Cook the other half a bit longer. Once the second half is well-cooked, blend it in a blender with 4 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 2 tablespoon of water, and adjust the salt. The consistency should be creamy.
2. In a baking dish or ramekin, place a layer of the cottage cheese cream. Add, in a single layer, your slightly tender broccoli on top.
3. Cover the broccoli with the creamy mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan or Mozzarella on the top.
4. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the gratin until it turns golden brown.
Recipe Notes:
Keep in mind that broccoli heads vary in size. So feel free to adjust the water and cottage cheese quantity based on the size of the broccoli head and your personal preference for a thicker or thinner sauce.
How to Serve and Pairings:
This gratin is a delicious side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or simple pasta.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerate any broccoli dish leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Common Substitutions/ Variations:
- Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp Cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Customize your gratin’s cheesy sauce by adding diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- I have shown you the broccoli version, but you can also use cauliflower if you wish.
Troubleshooting:
- Watery Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, blend in additional cottage cheese until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Cheese Browning Too Quickly: Cover the dish with foil during baking to prevent excessive browning.
Easy Broccoli Gratin Recipe
Equipment
- blender Essential for creating the creamy sauce
- Small casserole dish To bake and serve the gratin.
- vegetable steamer or medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 Steamed Broccoli Head: fresh or frozen
- 4 tbsp Cottage Cheese
- 2 tbsp Water
- Mozzarella Cheese to sprinkle on top of the broccoli. Use as much as you like
Instructions
- Boil or steam half of the broccoli until it's slightly tender. Cook the other half a bit longer. Once the second half is well-cooked, blend it in a blender with 4 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 2 tablespoon of water, and adjust the salt. The consistency should be creamy.
- In a baking dish or ramekin, place a layer of the cottage cheese cream. Add, in a single layer, your slightly tender broccoli on top.
- Cover the broccoli with the creamy mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan or Mozzarela on the top.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the gratin until it turns golden brown.
Notes
- Keep in mind that broccoli heads vary in size. So feel free to adjust the water and cottage cheese quantity based on the size of the broccoli head and your personal preference for a thicker or thinner sauce.
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It’s always recommended to consult with a nutritionist or use precise measurements for dietary considerations
Nutrition
FAQ
Not quite. The french version includes many other ingredients, and it involves actually making a sauce in a pan, sauteeing onions, etc. It is delicious of course, but it is not my go to for everyday life. I like to prepare something like that for a special meal or a thanksgiving dinner. My recipe is a simpler version of a gratin. It is my every day go to recipe because it is simple to make, delicious, does not require as many ingredients, and I get to eat a lot more broccoli, since the creamy cheese sauce its also made with broccoli. It is perfect for your everyday diner table. Now, armed with these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious dish for your family any time!
So have you tried this recipe? If so what did you think of this delicious way to eat broccoli? I would love if you would leave a comment. And do not forget to follow Tasty Recollections on Instagram.
Until next time!
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