Description
A creamy and comforting cheesy broccoli casserole featuring fresh broccoli florets smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side or a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 500 grams fresh broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
Dairy
- 250 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 240 ml heavy cream (1 cup)
- 30 grams butter (2 tablespoons), plus extra for breadcrumbs
Other Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 grams breadcrumbs (about 1 cup)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash the fresh broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Cook Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until the florets turn bright green and become slightly tender, then drain them well to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add salt and black pepper to the cheese sauce according to your taste preferences to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Broccoli and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli with the cheese sauce, ensuring each floret is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare Topping: Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- To ensure the breadcrumbs become crispy, make sure they are mixed with enough melted butter before baking.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli during steaming; it should remain slightly crisp to avoid becoming mushy after baking.
- This dish can be kept warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes if needed before serving.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
