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Vegetarian, Africa and overseas

Breadfruit gratin with green salad

Breadfruit gratin with green salad is a Caribbean dish for 4 people, ready in 60 minutes, rated easy, at about €2.50 per person. Canned breadfruit, with a starchy texture close to potato, is layered under a cheesy bechamel and baked until golden. The key is draining the breadfruit thoroughly before cooking it.

Tonight we're gratinating breadfruit the Caribbean way, mild like potato, under a cheesy bechamel.

Breadfruit gratin with green salad
Total time
1 h
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.50
Calories per person
420 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall, Summer
The kids
They generally like it

Breadfruit has that soft, starchy texture close to potato, but with a milder, almost sweet flavor of its own. Here it sits under a creamy Swiss cheese bechamel with a hint of nutmeg, baked until the top turns golden and bubbly. A simple green salad on the side adds just enough freshness to balance out this rich, comforting dish.

It's a great pick for a busy weeknight since canned breadfruit saves you the prep time of cooking it from scratch. Kids tend to love the soft texture and mild flavor hiding under melted cheese. You can also serve it on a lazy Sunday as a one-dish meal with just the salad, for a simple dinner that feels a little different.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Canned breadfruitoften in the pantry 800 g
  • Flouroften in the pantry 40 g
  • Nutmegoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Vinaigrette 3 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Dairy

  • Milk 50 cl
  • Butter 40 g
  • Shredded Swiss cheese 120 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Green salad 1

Allergens Lactose, Gluten

The step by step recipe

  1. Drain the breadfruit, rinse it, and cut it into thick slices.

    If you can't find breadfruit, use starchy potatoes boiled in water instead.

  2. Make the bechamel with the butter, flour, and milk, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. 10 min

    Don't let the bechamel boil too hard, it will stick to the pan.

  3. Arrange the slices in a buttered dish, cover with bechamel, and sprinkle with cheese.

    Mix a little cheese into the bechamel itself for more flavor.

  4. Bake at 200 degrees until the top is nicely golden. 25 min

    Watch the crust closely, it browns fast.

  5. Season the salad and serve it alongside the gratin.

    A tangy salad balances out the richness of the gratin.

Our tips to get it right

  • Butter the baking dish generously so the breadfruit slices don't stick while baking.
  • If your bechamel turns out too thick, thin it with a splash of warm milk before pouring it over the dish.
  • Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes out of the oven, it holds together better when you serve it.

The variations

  • Swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or a raclette cheese for a bolder bechamel.
  • For a quicker version, use already steamed potatoes instead of canned breadfruit.
  • Add browned bacon bits between the layers for a heartier version, outside of meatless nights.

What to serve it with

  • A ripe tomato salad
  • Grilled fish fillet
  • Fresh fruit juice

Storage

The gratin keeps 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well once cooled, in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven so the top crisps back up, rather than in the microwave.

Questions about this dish

Can I use fresh breadfruit instead of canned?

Yes, just boil it in water until tender before slicing it. Expect a bit more prep time compared to using canned breadfruit.

Can I make this gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish the day before and keep it in the fridge. Take it out shortly before baking and add a few extra minutes in the oven.

How do I know if the breadfruit is drained enough?

Press the slices gently with paper towels before arranging them in the dish. Breadfruit that's too wet will water down the bechamel.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Swiss?

Yes, Gruyère, Comté, or raclette cheese all work well. Pick a cheese that melts easily for a nicely golden crust.

How long does it take to make a breadfruit gratin with green salad?

Count 1 h in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a breadfruit gratin with green salad?

About 420 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a breadfruit gratin with green salad cost?

About €2.50 per serving, or €10.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose, gluten. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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