Name: Cheesy French Onion Broccoli Is a Winning Side Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); ⅓ cup beef or vegetable broth; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing side dish that's both cozy and irresistible, this Cheesy French Onion Broccoli is exactly what your table needs. Imagine tender broccoli florets smothered in rich, caramelized onions, drenched in savory broth, crowned with ooey-gooey melted cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. It's perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want to elevate your veggie game. Let's get cooking!

Cheesy French Onion Broccoli Is a Winning Side Dish

Why You'll Love This

Combines the iconic flavors of French onion soup with nutritious broccoli for a unique twist.
Quick and easy to prepare—on the table in less than 45 minutes!
Pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled mains, or served as a vegetarian centerpiece.
Great for meal prep, potlucks, or holiday spreads.
Delivers rich, savory flavors with a luxuriously cheesy finish everyone will crave.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds fresh broccoli florets (about 7 cups)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 3 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions plus ½ teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized—about 15-18 minutes.
Stir in garlic, remaining salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and (if desired) sprinkle in cornstarch to thicken. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly reduced.

Step 3: Assemble

Spread blanched broccoli evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Pour onion mixture over the broccoli. Gently toss until broccoli is well-coated and the mixture is evenly distributed.
Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella evenly on top, then finish with the grated Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, slice onions uniformly so they cook evenly.
Gruyère offers classic flavor, but Swiss or provolone also work well.
If you like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of broth before adding to onions.

Variations

Keto-Friendly: Swap cornstarch for a pinch of xanthan gum and use a low-carb cheese blend.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and vegetable broth.
Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño to caramelized onions.

Required Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board
Steamer basket or pot for broccoli

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Not recommended for freezing, as broccoli may become mushy when thawed.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Delicious alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
Make it the star by serving with a hearty green salad and crusty bread.
Try it with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or as part of a holiday spread.

Pro Tips

Caramelize onions low and slow for the sweetest, richest flavor.
Add cheese only in the final baking step to keep it gooey and melty.
Blanch broccoli just until crisp-tender to preserve its vibrant color and texture.

FAQ

Can I prepare Cheesy French Onion Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the oven.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese, provolone, or even sharp cheddar can be delicious substitutes for Gruyère cheese.

How do I avoid soggy broccoli?

Blanch or steam the broccoli only until just tender, then drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the baked dish.