Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of Banbury cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling broccoli
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add the grated Banbury cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or 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: 235
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 13g
Sodium: 350mg
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Banbury cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of mild or sharp cheese.
- Olive oil can be substituted with any other type of cooking oil.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the broccoli and cheese mixture for a heartier meal.
- Substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus for a different flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or red bell peppers for a pop of color.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the milk into the flour mixture slowly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- If the top of the bake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add more cheese to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender to prevent any potential foodborne illness.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food History:
Banbury cheese is a hard cheese that originated in the town of Banbury, England in the 17th century.
Flavor Profiles:
The Banbury cheese and broccoli bake is creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of sweetness from the broccoli.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the bake as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a holiday meal.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Broccoli, Comforting, Broccoli-Y