Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup Irish porter beer
- 2 cups shredded Irish porter cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
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 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the milk and Irish porter beer, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Irish porter cheese, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the mixture 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. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Irish porter cheese can be substituted with any other type of strong-flavored cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
- Irish porter beer can be substituted with any other type of dark beer.
- Broccoli can be substituted with any other type of vegetable, such as cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the casserole for extra flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- Add diced potatoes to the casserole for a heartier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the broccoli until it is just tender, as overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
- Use a whisk to ensure that the cheese sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored 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 for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve the casserole 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 splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the casserole to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Irish porter cheese is a type of cheese that is made with Irish porter beer. It has a strong, tangy flavor that pairs well with broccoli in this casserole.
Flavor profiles:
This casserole is rich and creamy, with a strong cheese flavor and a hint of nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this casserole as a main dish for a cozy dinner at home.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Irish