Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 cup of Pecorino Baccellone cheese, grated
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and Pecorino Baccellone cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the blanched broccoli to the saucepan and stir until the broccoli is coated with the cheese sauce.
5. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
- Pecorino Baccellone cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the casserole for a meatier version.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- Top the casserole with sliced tomatoes before baking for a colorful twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to blanch the broccoli before adding it to the cheese sauce to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Baccellone cheese for the best flavor.
- If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the casserole, place it in a preheated 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.
- Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve the casserole with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store any leftover casserole in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Pecorino Baccellone is a type of Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is similar to Pecorino Romano, but has a milder flavor.
Flavor profiles:
- This casserole is creamy and cheesy, with a slightly nutty flavor from the Pecorino Baccellone cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a side dish with your favorite protein, or as a vegetarian main dish.
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Region: Italian