Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Blue Cheese

Roasting broccoli brings out a delightful flavor and texture, as the tops brown nicely while the stems remain crisp. In this recipe, the roasted broccoli is elevated with the tangy richness of blue cheese. However, feel free to use your preferred cheese, such as Emmental, Gruyère, goat cheese, or Gouda. You can also explore variations using other vegetables like cauliflower, broccoflower, Romanesco, asparagus, or broccoli raab.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: About 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds broccoli, trimmed, with stems cut into thin pieces (no more than 1/8 inch thick)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed in the skins
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably fresh)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the broccoli in a bowl and drizzle it with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper while tossing to coat the broccoli evenly. Transfer the coated broccoli to a gratin dish or any ovenproof dish. Nestle the smashed garlic cloves among the broccoli.
2. Roast the broccoli in the preheated oven until the tops are nicely browned, and the stems are crisp-tender. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove the dish from the oven and discard the garlic cloves. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the roasted broccoli, followed by the bread crumbs.
4. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is bubbling and the bread crumbs turn golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Serve the Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Blue Cheese hot or warm as a delightful side dish.

VARIATIONS:

1. Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• Omit the blue cheese.
• Prepare 1 recipe of Mornay (Cheese) Sauce (page 58).
• In Step 2, mince the garlic and mix it into the cheese sauce if desired. Then, pour the sauce over the roasted broccoli.

2. Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Hollandaise Sauce:

• Omit the blue cheese.
• Prepare 1 recipe of Hollandaise Sauce.
• In Step 2, pour the Hollandaise sauce over the roasted broccoli. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top and place under the broiler until the bread crumbs are browned. Serve immediately.

TIPS:

Here are some tips to enhance your preparation of Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Blue Cheese:

• Choosing fresh broccoli: Select broccoli heads with tight, compact florets and vibrant green color. Avoid broccoli with yellowing or wilting florets. Trim the stems and cut them into thin, uniform pieces for even roasting.
• Roasting temperature and time: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for optimal roasting. Roast the broccoli until the tops are nicely browned and the stems are crisp-tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli to prevent overcooking.
• Seasoning the broccoli: Drizzle the broccoli with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring each piece is coated. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the broccoli to enhance its flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
• Garlic infusion: Smashing the garlic cloves and nestling them among the broccoli allows the garlic to infuse its flavor subtly. Discard the garlic cloves after roasting to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Cheese selection: While blue cheese adds a tangy flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses for different taste profiles. Emmental, Gruyère, goat cheese, or Gouda are great alternatives. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the roasted broccoli.
• Crispy breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the roasted broccoli before adding the breadcrumbs. This helps the cheese melt and blend into the dish. Opt for fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.
• Breadcrumb customization: Consider adding additional seasonings to the breadcrumbs for added flavor. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the taste of the gratin. You can also mix in grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Monitoring the gratin: Keep an eye on the gratin as it bakes to prevent the cheese from burning. Adjust the oven temperature or move the dish to a lower rack if needed. The gratin is ready when the cheese is bubbling, and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
• Serving temperature: Allow the Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Blue Cheese to cool slightly before serving. The dish can be served hot or warm, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Pairing suggestions: This gratin makes a fantastic side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian spread. Consider serving it with a refreshing green salad or a crusty bread to round out the meal.
• Experiment and customize: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients or variations to make the dish your own. Add roasted garlic cloves, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the gratin before serving, or incorporate other roasted vegetables for a colorful twist.

Feel free to experiment with these variations or create your own by using different cheese sauces or seasonings. Enjoy the flavorful and cheesy goodness of Roasted Broccoli Gratin with Blue Cheese!