Broccoli Gratin with Bacon
User Reviews
5
Broccoli Gratin with Bacon
Description
Broccoli Gratin with Bacon starts by steaming broccoli until tender but firm, then arranging it in a baking dish. Meanwhile, a creamy sauce is prepared by beating together softened cream cheese, evaporated milk, salt, and garlic powder. Chopped cooked bacon and half the shredded cheddar are mixed into the cream mixture, which is poured over the broccoli. The remaining cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top.
The gratin bakes at 400°F until the cheese melts and then is broiled briefly to achieve a golden, lightly crisp surface. This technique provides a cheesy, creamy texture contrasted with tender broccoli and smoky bacon bits. The recipe requires no flour or traditional mornay sauce, simplifying the preparation while maintaining richness.
This dish serves as a flavorful side, especially suitable with roasted meats or as part of a comforting meal. Fresh oregano can be sprinkled on top for herbal notes. It can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed, with leftovers storing well in the refrigerator for several days.
Freezing is possible but may affect cream sauce texture; using full-fat cream cheese reduces risk of separation. Optional additions like cooked onion and pepper can elevate flavor further.
Ingredients
- 32 oz broccoli florets
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup evaporated milk Carnation® Lactose-Free
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 Bacon cooked and chopped, strips
- 3 cups White Cheddar Cheese shredded ( or any other melting cheese of choice)
Instructions
- Place broiler rack about 8 inches from the source of heat. Then, preheat conventional oven at 400 F. Spray a medium baking dish with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- Place broccoli in a microwave safe bowl with about 6 tablespoon water, cover with a plate, and cook on high for about 3-4 minutes or until tender but firm. Drain! Arrange broccoli into the baking dish.
- Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, milk, salt, and garlic powder until smooth. Mix in bacon and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour mixture over the broccoli.
- Then, sprinkle the other half of the cheddar on top. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Next, press the broil button and let broil for about 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh oregano if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This gratin can be made one day ahead, covered and refrigerated until baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 30 days, but cream cheese sauce may separate; use full-fat cream cheese to reduce this risk.
- Adding cooked onion and pepper to the cream cheese mixture can enhance flavor.
- This recipe does not use flour or require making a traditional mornay sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 335 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 335kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 640mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 354mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1267IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 67mg | 74% |
| Calcium | 301mg | 30% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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