This hearty and delicious potato and broccoli casserole combines tender potatoes, crisp broccoli, and a luxurious cheese sauce to create the ultimate comfort food. Drawing inspiration from traditional European gratins, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Base
- Potatoes: 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Broccoli: 300g (10.5 oz)
- Onion: 1 large
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Carrot: 1 medium
- Bell pepper: 1 medium
- Spring onions: 2-3 stalks
- Tomatoes: 2 medium
For the Egg Mixture
- Eggs: 3 large
- Milk: 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
- All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
For the Cheese Sauce
- Butter: 70g (5 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 350ml (1½ cups)
- Cheese: 300g (10.5 oz) total, divided into:
- 100g (3.5 oz) for sauce
- 1/3 for middle layer
- 2/3 for topping
- Provençal herbs: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and peel potatoes
- Cut into medium-sized chunks
- Boil in salted water until half-cooked (about 10 minutes)
- Drain and set aside
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely chop onion and garlic
- Grate carrot
- Dice bell pepper
- Slice spring onions
- Cut tomatoes into wedges
- Separate broccoli into florets
- Blanch the Broccoli
- Pour hot water over broccoli
- Let stand for 10 minutes
- Drain well
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes
- Add carrot and cook for 3-5 minutes
- Add bell pepper, salt, black pepper, and Provençal herbs
- Cook for additional 2-3 minutes
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Whisk eggs, milk, and flour
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Set aside
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute
- Gradually whisk in milk
- Stir continuously until thickened
- Add 100g cheese and stir until melted
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Layer half-cooked potatoes in a baking dish
- Add sautéed vegetables
- Pour half the egg mixture
- Sprinkle 1/3 of remaining cheese
- Add broccoli layer
- Pour remaining egg mixture
- Top with cheese sauce
- Sprinkle remaining cheese
- Bake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, serves 8)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Par-boil potatoes just until fork-tender to prevent them from becoming mushy
- For the crispiest top, broil for the final 2-3 minutes
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set
- Grate cheese while cold for easier handling
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile
- Swap broccoli for cauliflower or a mixture of both
- Use different cheese combinations (Gruyere, Cheddar, Gouda)
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes
- Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor
- Use plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version
Common FAQs
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
Q: Why did my sauce become grainy?
A: This usually happens when the sauce is heated too quickly. Keep heat medium-low and stir constantly.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, thaw and drain well before using to prevent excess water in the casserole.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes
- Reheat larger portions in oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes
- Prepare components separately up to 2 days ahead
- Assemble just before baking for best results
- If making ahead, wait to add final cheese topping until ready to bake