Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of Carrots au Gratin. This classic French side dish features tender carrots smothered in a rich and velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust. It is the perfect accompaniment to any main course and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can easily whip up this delectable dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain the carrots and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Place the cooked carrots in the greased baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Gently stir to evenly coat the carrots with the sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the carrots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
Interesting Facts
Carrots au Gratin is a variation of the classic French dish, Potatoes au Gratin.
The addition of carrots not only adds color but also provides a natural sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
This dish can be easily customized by adding other vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives them their vibrant orange color and promotes good eye health.