Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Asiago cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli and the cheese sauce. Mix well.
7. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the broccoli mixture.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 520mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli: You can use cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or green beans instead of broccoli.
- Asiago cheese: You can use Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, or Pecorino cheese instead of Asiago cheese.
- Whole milk: You can use 2% milk or skim milk instead of whole milk.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed croutons instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a protein boost.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- Top the casserole with sliced tomatoes before adding the breadcrumb mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it's tender but still slightly firm. Overcooked broccoli will turn mushy in the casserole.
- Use a whisk to stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- If the breadcrumb topping is not crispy enough, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top of the casserole before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted carrots
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumb topping is too dry, add more olive oil to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the casserole until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat.
Food history:
Casseroles have been a popular comfort food in the United States since the 1950s. They are typically made with a combination of meat, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, and are baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
Flavor profiles:
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and savory, with a hint of garlic and herbs.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the casserole as a main dish for dinner, or as a side dish for a holiday meal.
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