Food name

category

**Potato Broccoli Cauliflower and Cheese Gratin with Red Onion (with Bacon)**

Ingredients

- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 2 cups cauliflower florets - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for non-vegetarian version) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 2 cups milk - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon thyme leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for greasing - Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil and set aside. 2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, then add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Drain and set aside. 3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the roux is lightly golden. 4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. 5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season the sauce with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. 6. Layer half of the parboiled vegetables in the greased baking dish. Scatter half of the red onion slices over the vegetables, followed by half of the crumbled bacon (if using). 7. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the layers. 8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining vegetables, red onion, and bacon. 9. Pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the top and spread it evenly to cover everything. 10. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the gratin. 11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. 12. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling. 13. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. **Vegetarian Alternative:** *Ingredients:* - Follow the same ingredients and instructions as the bacon version, but omit the bacon. *Instructions:* - Without the bacon, the dish will still be flavorful and delicious. You can add extra seasonings like smoked paprika or nutritional yeast to enhance the umami flavor. Enjoy your Potato Broccoli Cauliflower and Cheese Gratin with Red Onion, whether you go for the classic bacon version or the vegetarian alternative!