Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Dairylea cheese spread
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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 separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened.
4. Add the flour to the pan and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually add the milk to the pan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add the Dairylea cheese spread to the pan and stir until melted and combined.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked broccoli to the pan and stir to coat with the cheese sauce.
9. Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
11. Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 540mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or a mix of both.
- Dairylea cheese spread can be substituted with any other cheese spread or grated cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the dish for a more substantial meal.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the onion and garlic mixture for extra flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender but still slightly firm to the touch.
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the dish in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top of the dish for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve the dish with a side salad or crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the dish until it is heated through to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Cheese and broccoli have been a popular combination in dishes for many years. The addition of Dairylea cheese spread adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the dish as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Broccoli, Broccoli-Y