Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Leerdammer cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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 salted water, blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
6. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7. Add the grated Leerdammer cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
8. Add the blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
9. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the broccoli and cheese mixture.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
12. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 245
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 31mg
Sodium: 482mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Leerdammer cheese can be substituted with Gouda or Cheddar cheese.
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the broccoli and cheese mixture for a heartier meal.
- Top the bake with sliced tomatoes before sprinkling with breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Blanching the broccoli before baking ensures that it will be cooked through and tender.
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps from forming in the cheese sauce.
- For a crispier topping, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
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 bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, broil the bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Leerdammer cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands in the 1970s. It is known for its mild, nutty flavor and is often used in dishes such as this broccoli bake.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of sweetness from the broccoli.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish with a protein such as grilled chicken or fish.
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