Elevate your side dish game with our Bacon Cheese Broccoli Gratin! This comforting dish combines tender broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this gratin is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together the delightful flavors of bacon, cheese, and fresh broccoli. Enjoy the creamy and crunchy textures in every bite!

Our Bacon Cheese Broccoli Gratin was born out of a desire to transform a simple side dish into something extraordinary. One chilly evening, with a surplus of fresh broccoli and some leftover bacon in the fridge, inspiration struck. Combining these ingredients with a creamy cheese sauce, we created a dish that quickly became a family favorite.

Since then, this gratin has been a staple at our dinner table, especially during special occasions. It’s the perfect way to get everyone excited about eating their vegetables. The kids love the cheesy goodness, and the adults appreciate the savory depth the bacon adds. Each time we make it, we’re reminded of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and memorable.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Cheese Broccoli Gratin

Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with melted cheese for a creamy and indulgent experience.

Savory Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor and crunch.
Family-Friendly: A great way to get kids and adults to enjoy their vegetables.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks.

Ingredients Notes For Bacon Cheese Broccoli Gratin

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
Bacon: Cook until crispy for the best texture and flavor.

Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan adds depth and richness.
Cream Sauce: Made from butter, flour, milk, and a touch of garlic for a velvety base.

Recipe Steps:

Prepare the Broccoli:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 5 cups of broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.

Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk and cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Gratin:
- Arrange the blanched broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.

Bake:
- Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the gratin.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:
- Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and savory Bacon Cheese Broccoli Gratin!

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add a handful of sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Cheese Variations: Use Gruyere or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor profile.

Creamy Spinach Addition: Add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the cheese sauce for extra greens.

BACON CHEESE BROCCOLI GRATIN

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Ingredients

Scale

5 cups broccoli florets
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath. Drain again and pat dry.
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange blanched broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the broccoli. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and an additional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!