Golden Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Gratin

A creamy, cheesy broccoli bake topped with golden breadcrumbs and baked to perfection.

Meet your new favorite side dish—Golden Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Gratin. Tender broccoli florets are tucked under a rich garlic cream sauce, layered with parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s comforting without being heavy, fancy enough for dinner parties but easy enough for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and crave-worthy.
• A golden, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch.
• Simple ingredients with big flavor.
• A fun way to get everyone excited about broccoli.
• Perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Ingredient Notes

• Broccoli: Use fresh for the best texture, or thaw frozen and pat dry before baking.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives a saltier, richer flavor than pre-shredded.
• Milk or half-and-half: Either works—half-and-half makes it extra creamy.
• Garlic: Freshly minced brings out that savory, aromatic flavor in the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko work; toss with olive oil for that golden crunch.

Before You Bake

Do I need to pre-cook the broccoli?
Yes—just a quick steam for a few minutes keeps the broccoli tender-crisp once baked.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the gratin up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What type of dish should I use?
An 8×8-inch or small casserole dish works best for even layers and crisp topping.

Golden Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Gratin

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a small baking dish.
2. Steam broccoli 2–3 minutes until bright green; set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook until thickened, then stir in half the parmesan.
5. Arrange broccoli in the dish and pour sauce over it.
6. Combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, and remaining parmesan. Sprinkle on top.
7. Bake 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

FAQ

Can I use cheddar instead of parmesan?
Absolutely. Cheddar or a mix of cheeses adds a more classic casserole flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I use cauliflower instead?
Yes! Cauliflower works beautifully in this recipe with no other changes needed.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes—use a larger 9×13 baking dish and increase bake time by 5–7 minutes.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn this Golden Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Gratin into your go-to comfort side all year long. Make a double batch on Sunday for easy meal prep—portion it for family dinners or single servings for solo lunches that reheat like a dream. Then, when the holidays roll around, bake a fresh pan and serve it next to your favorite mains. It’s the perfect excuse to try a new recipe that feels both familiar and special at the same time.