Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups Ballybrie cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Whisk
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 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and whisk until combined.
6. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
7. Add the shredded Ballybrie cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
8. Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir until coated in the cheese sauce.
9. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mixture.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 470mg
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ballybrie cheese can be substituted with any other soft cheese such as brie or camembert.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Broccoli can be substituted with any other green vegetable such as asparagus or green beans.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the mixture for a protein boost.
- Add diced red bell pepper or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the milk into the flour mixture slowly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Ballybrie Cheese and Broccoli Bake in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, whisk in a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the broccoli until tender to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food History:
Ballybrie cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that originated in Ireland.
Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot and bubbly straight out of the oven.
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