Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Transfer the broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Broccoli-Cheese Casserole warm as a delicious side dish for any meal.
- Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Broccoli-Cheese Casserole with your family and friends! It’s sure to become a favorite dish at any gathering.