Gourmet Cheesy Broccoli Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a rich and satisfying dish that brings together the comforting flavors of cheese and broccoli. This Gourmet Cheesy Broccoli Delight is the perfect addition to any dinner table, combining vibrant veggies with a creamy, cheesy embrace. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Gourmet Cheesy Broccoli Delight

Broccoli florets are the star, providing a nutritious backbone to the dish. We steam them to keep their vibrant green color and tender bite. Unsalted butter is used to sauté the aromatics, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish. Onion and garlic give the base layers of flavor, enhancing the overall savory depth. All-purpose flour is our thickening agent for the creamy sauce. Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich, velvety texture. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust, tangy flavor. Nutmeg offers a subtle, warm spice that elevates the cheese sauce. Salt and pepper are essential for balancing flavors. Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy topping, and parmesan cheese adds a nutty, umami punch. Finally, olive oil helps bind the topping ingredients together, ensuring an even golden crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or seared steak. A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be less creamy.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Gourmet Cheesy Broccoli Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, let’s get the broccoli ready. Steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green. This should take about 5 minutes. Set them aside once done.

Next, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and sauté until the onion is translucent, taking around 4-5 minutes.

Now it’s time to make the roux. Stir in the flour and cook for just a minute. This helps get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens—this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Remove the skillet from heat and add the sharp cheddar cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce.

In a large bowl, combine the cheese sauce with the steamed broccoli. Stir gently to coat the broccoli evenly. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese in the baking dish.

Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balances creamy and crunchy textures.
  • Uses simple ingredients to create a gourmet experience.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for guests.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Steam the broccoli florets until tender and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens.
7. Remove from heat and add the sharp cheddar cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is melted.
8. Combine the cheese sauce with the steamed broccoli in a large bowl.
9. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
11. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the broccoli.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

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