Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add the grated Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the blanched broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
- Olive oil can be substituted with any other type of cooking oil.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the broccoli and cheese mixture for a heartier meal.
- Add diced red bell pepper or sliced mushrooms to the onion and garlic mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a different twist on the recipe.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to blanch the broccoli before adding it to the cheese sauce to ensure that it is cooked through.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- If the top of the bake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese and Broccoli Bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Garlic roasted green beans
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumb topping is not browning, place the baking dish under the broiler for a minute or two.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the broccoli and cheese bake to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese is a semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk in County Cork, Ireland. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture that makes it perfect for melting in dishes like this broccoli bake.
Flavor profiles:
The Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese and Broccoli Bake is creamy, cheesy, and savory with a slight nuttiness from the Gubbeen cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese and Broccoli Bake as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a holiday meal.
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Region: Irish