Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy dream that’s perfect for any occasion!
You’ll love how the nutty flavors of the aged Parmesan and sharp Cheddar blend with tender, steamed broccoli.
The key to nailing this dish is to make a smooth roux, cooking the flour and butter just enough to remove the raw flour taste.
One reason I adore this recipe is its versatility—you can even add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Prepare to enjoy a rich side dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 4 cups Broccoli (cut into florets)
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/3 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Drain well and set aside.
Step 3:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and stir to make a roux.
Cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and without changing the color.
Step 4:
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring to break up any lumps.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5:
Remove from heat.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6:
Combine the cooked broccoli and the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the broccoli evenly.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Step 7:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and the grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
Step 8:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve hot!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh broccoli will give the best texture and flavor.
Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch but be sure to thaw and drain it well.
Don’t Skip the Roux
Making a good roux is key to the creamy sauce.
Ensure you cook the flour and butter mixture fully to avoid a raw flour taste.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Mixing cheeses can add depth to the flavor.
Breadcrumbs Tip
For extra crunch, use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain panko.
You can even mix in a bit of melted butter with the breadcrumbs for a richer topping.
Customize the Seasoning
Feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce.
This can elevate the overall flavor, making it even more delightful!
What to Serve with Ruth’s Chris Broccoli au Gratin
Classic Ribeye Steak
You can never go wrong with a juicy, grilled ribeye steak.
The rich flavors of the steak complement the creamy, cheesy broccoli perfectly.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are another great option.
They soak up any extra cheese sauce from the broccoli and add a comforting touch to your meal.
Citrus Arugula Salad
For a refreshing contrast, try a citrus arugula salad.
The bright, zesty flavors balance out the rich heaviness of the gratin and add a bit of crunch.
Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa pilaf is a fantastic choice if you want something light and nutritious.
Its nutty flavor pairs well with the cheese and broccoli combo.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Give balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts a try.
The sweet and tangy glaze adds an exciting flavor twist and makes the meal more interesting.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Cheeses
You don’t have to stick with just cheddar cheese for your Broccoli Au Gratin!
Try using Gruyère, Fontina, or even a mix of cheeses like Gouda and Parmesan for a unique flavor.
Each cheese brings a different texture and taste to the dish, so experiment to see what you like best.
Vegetable Mix-Ins
Broccoli is great, but mixing in other vegetables can add depth and variety.
Try adding cauliflower, carrots, or even a bit of spinach for a little twist.
Just steam the additional vegetables first to ensure they cook evenly with the broccoli.
Creamy Base Variations
The classic recipe uses a roux with milk, but you can switch it up for dietary preferences.
For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or cream instead of milk.
For a lighter version, consider using almond or oat milk, though the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli Au Gratin
Cool It Down
Let the broccoli au gratin cool to room temperature before storing.
This helps prevent condensation which can make it soggy.
Airtight Containers
Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
This helps maintain freshness and keeps the flavors intact.
Refrigerator Storage
Store the container in the refrigerator.
Broccoli au gratin can last up to 3-4 days when stored properly.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, you can freeze the broccoli au gratin.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Don’t forget to label with the date!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Broccoli
One common mistake is to overcook the broccoli before adding it to the dish.
If your broccoli is too soft, it will become mushy during baking.
Steam the broccoli for just a few minutes until it’s bright green and still slightly crisp.
Skipping the Breadcrumbs
Skipping the breadcrumbs can make the dish less enjoyable.
Those crunchy breadcrumbs add a fabulous texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
Be sure to sprinkle a good layer of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Using Low-Quality Cheese
Using low-quality cheese can impact the final flavor.
For a rich and savory dish, always use high-quality cheddar and Parmesan.
Grating the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties will also enhance the taste.

Ruth's Chris Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe
- 4 cups Broccoli cut into florets
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/3 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg optional
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain well and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir to make a roux.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and without changing the color.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring to break up any lumps.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked broccoli and the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot!
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