Broccoli Gratin

This is definitely up there on my list of favorite dishes.  I mean, who doesn't love broccoli & cheese?  Even my 4 year old, who is terrified of all things green, will eat this with minimum complaining!  This version is made with sharp, white cheddar but you really could use almost any cheese you'd like! 

This is slightly adapted from the Noble Pig's recipe.

Ingredients:

2-3 large bunches of Broccoli, roughly chopped (about 12 cups or 2 lbs)

4 Tbsp Butter

1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour

2 cups Milk

2 cups grated Sharp, White Cheddar (about 8 oz)

Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a medium sauce pan or skillet (I used a 10") melt the butter over medium heat.   

Add the flour & cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, almost constantly.  You don't want it to darken too much. 

Whisk in the milk & simmer until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. 

 Add in half of the shredded cheddar & season with salt & pepper.

 Turn off the heat & stir to incorporate the the cheese. 

 Steam the broccoli until just tender.  I did it in the microwave, in about 3-4 minutes.  But you can do it in a steamer basket on the stove if you'd like.  (Just make sure you don't cook it too much, you don't want mushy broccoli!)  Place half of the steamed broccoli in a 3 quart baking dish.  (Spray the casserole with non stick spray first!)  Pour half of the cheese sauce over the broccoli & stir to coat.  Repeat with the second half of the broccoli & the rest of the cheese sauce.   

Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar.

 Bake at 375 degrees until bubbling & golden brown, about 35-40 minutes. 

 Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

 Just look at all that yummy, cheesy broccoli goodness!!

I paired it with my Grilled Chicken Breasts with White BBQ Sauce & Roasted Red Potatoes.

Delish! 

This is another great dish for entertaining.  You can make it in advance, leave at room temperature for up to 2 hours before baking or refrigerate for up to 1 day before.  This recipe make 6-8 side servings.