Broccoli Cheddar Bake

Broccoli Cheddar Bake is a comforting vegetarian dish featuring tender broccoli enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to perfection with a golden crust. This delightful bake is perfect as a side dish or a light main course, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets - 300 grams
• Sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 150 grams
• Cream cheese - 100 grams
• Milk - 100 ml
• All-purpose flour - 30 grams
• Butter - 30 grams
• Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Breadcrumbs - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in 100 grams of the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
7. In a baking dish, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce and mix well to coat.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the broccoli mixture.
9. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 35 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins C and K from broccoli, supporting immune function and bone health.
• High in calcium from cheese, promoting strong teeth and bones.

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