Broccoli Blue Cheese Bake
User Reviews
5
Broccoli Blue Cheese Bake
Description
This recipe starts by steaming broccoli florets until tender yet firm, then drying them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bake. A sauce is prepared by cooking minced garlic in butter, stirring in flour to form a roux, then adding cream cheese, blue cheese, and milk for a rich and smooth mixture. The broccoli is folded into the sauce, lightly seasoned with fresh black pepper.
The topping is made by combining melted butter with buttery cracker crumbs, half of which is mixed into the broccoli mixture for texture, while the rest is sprinkled on top of the casserole before baking. The dish is baked covered briefly to meld flavors and then uncovered to brown the crispy topping.
This bake works well as a side dish accompanying roasted or grilled meats, adding creamy texture and pungent blue cheese flavor. The crispy buttery topping provides contrast to the creamy interior.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli fresh small florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 /2 cup blue cheese crumbled
- 1 cup milk
- black pepper fresh ground, to taste
- 1 1/2 /2 cups butter cracker crumb one to two sleeves of crackers, Ritz brand
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a medium cooking dish with cooking spray.
- Steam broccoli florets until firm but tender for about 2-3 minutes. I put my broccoli in a microwave safe bowl with 2 inches of water and microwave it for 3 minutes. Drain well then pat dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
- In a large saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat; add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the cream cheese, blue cheese and milk or cream; stir over low heat until melted and smooth then stir in the broccoli florets.
- In a bowl combine the cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter until well combined. Remove 1/2 of the cracker mixture and stir it into the broccoli mixture. Season with black pepper.
- Transfer mixture into a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining cracker crumbs. Return to oven and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 4-5 servings.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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