Hot damn! Nothin’ warms my heart more than seeing my loved ones chuckling and chomping on a dish I’ve whipped up from scratch. Today, I’m mighty keen on sharin’ my favorite recipe with y’all – Broccoli Cheese Casserole, the kind you’d feel like you’ve struck gold! If there’s one thing I believe in, it’s that good food equals good mood, and let me tell you, this dish is a mood booster!
Alrighty folks, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive right in. First off, we’re going to need fresh broccoli. Make sure to give it a good wash; we wouldn’t want any unwanted dirt stowaways! While you’re at it, preheat that oven to 350 degrees and butter up a casserole dish.
Now, this ain’t rocket science, but make sure to steam those green jewels just right. We’re shooting for that sweet spot where color and crunch meet. Cooked, but still firm. You don’t want your broccoli turnin’ into mush. Now listen here, come hell or high water, don’t forget to drain the broccoli! Soggy food’s a no-go in my kitchen!
Enough about the broccoli, let’s talk cheese! I go for sharp cheddar – the one that gives that strapping, full-bodied flavor. Melt it down with a bit of milk in a saucepan, and in no time it’ll be smoother than a cat’s purr!
Just as the cheese is coming together, toss in the broccoli and give it a good ol’ stir till each one’s bathed in cheesy goodness. Sprinkle some breadcrumb garnish for a surprise crunch and then, into the oven it goes!
Y’all, the aroma alone will have you drooling, but resist the temptation! Wait until it’s bubbling and golden before pulling it out. Ah, the pleasure of watching your loved ones dig in and devour your homemade goodness, and that, my friends, is what you call cookin’ with love!
Well, blow me down! I seem to have chattered your ear off. Gather up those ingredients, and get cookin’, y’all!
- Gather your ingredients: You’ll need 2 heads of fresh broccoli, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and a knob of butter for greasing.
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
- While the oven preheats, wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water.
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam them until they’re cooked but still firm to bite.
- Once cooked, drain the broccoli thoroughly to ensure no excess water remains. Set it aside.
- Now, take a medium-sized saucepan. Pour the milk and add the shredded cheddar cheese.
- On a low heat, melt the cheese in the milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Once your cheese sauce is ready, add the steamed and drained broccoli into the saucepan.
- Mix everything together, ensuring that the broccoli is completely coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Next, grease your casserole dish with butter.
- Pour your broccoli and cheese mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mixture.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden brown and bubbling, typically about 15 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheese Casserole!
That was fresh!
