Ultimate Blue Cheese & Broccoli Bake
Experience the perfect blend of flavors with this Ultimate Blue Cheese & Broccoli Bake. This rich and creamy casserole is a delightful addition to any dinner table, especially during the holidays. The velvety texture of cream cheese combined with the sharpness of blue cheese envelops tender broccoli florets, creating a dish that’s not only comforting but also sophisticated. Finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this bake is sure to impress your guests, who will undoubtedly be asking for seconds. With the option to double or triple the ingredients, you can easily cater to larger gatherings while ensuring that there's never a crumb left behind. This cherished family recipe promises rave reviews and becomes a staple in your holiday traditions. For more detailed tips and variations, visit my food blog at http://kittencalskitchen.com/2009/09/15/blue-cheese-broccoli-bake.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli florets
4 cups (chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing and greasing)
flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
blue cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled (reduce to 1/4 cup for milder flavor))
milk or half-and-half
1 cup (for creaminess)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (optional)
Ritz cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
butter
6 tablespoons (melted for mixing with cracker crumbs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3
In a steaming basket or pot, steam the fresh broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are firm-tender. Be sure to drain them well and gently pat dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
4
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. If you're using garlic, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
6
Add the cream cheese, blue cheese, and milk (or half-and-half) to the roux, stirring over low heat until the mixture is melted and smooth.
7
Fold in the steamed broccoli until well combined.
8
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with the Ritz cracker crumbs, ensuring they're evenly coated.
9
Incorporate 1 cup of the cracker mixture into the broccoli mixture. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
10
Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
11
Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
12
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the remaining cracker mixture.
13
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
14
Once baked, allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Blue Cheese & Broccoli Bake?
It is a rich and creamy casserole that combines tender broccoli florets with a velvety sauce made of cream cheese and blue cheese, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs.
How many cups of broccoli are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, chopped.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long should I steam the broccoli?
Steam the fresh broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are firm-tender.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Be sure to drain the steamed broccoli well and gently pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
What type of cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
Can I make the blue cheese flavor milder?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of blue cheese to 1/4 cup for a milder flavor.
What liquid is used for the cheese sauce?
You can use either 1 cup of milk or half-and-half for added creaminess.
How do I prepare the Ritz cracker topping?
Mix 1.5 cups of Ritz cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated.
Do I put all the cracker crumbs on top?
No, you incorporate 1 cup of the buttery cracker mixture into the broccoli mixture itself and save the rest for the top.
How long does the dish bake in total?
The dish bakes for a total of 30 minutes: 15 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
What is the purpose of covering the dish during the first half of baking?
Covering the dish with foil or a lid for the first 15 minutes ensures the broccoli and cheese mixture heats through properly.
When do I add the remaining cracker crumbs?
After the initial 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cracker mixture over the top.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is ready when the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy after the final 15 minutes of uncovered baking.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Can I add garlic to this broccoli bake?
Yes, you can sauté minced garlic in butter for about 1 minute before adding the flour to create the roux.
How is the roux for the sauce created?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, and stir continuously for 1 minute.
Is the black pepper mandatory?
No, fresh ground black pepper is optional and can be added to taste.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A medium-sized casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can this recipe be scaled for larger groups?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to cater to larger holiday gatherings.
Is this dish considered a holiday recipe?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated side dish that is a staple for holiday traditions.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, broccoli, blue cheese, holiday, cheesy dish, comfort food, vegetable bake, and party food.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What tool is used to steam the broccoli?
You can use a steaming basket or a pot to steam the florets.
How much butter is needed in total?
You need 2 tablespoons for the roux/sautéing and 6 tablespoons for the cracker topping, plus extra for greasing the dish.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly dish?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based bake suitable for vegetarians.
Where can I find more tips for this recipe?
You can visit the food blog at http://kittencalskitchen.com/2009/09/15/blue-cheese-broccoli-bake for more details.
What is the main texture of the dish?
The dish features a velvety, creamy interior with a crunchy, buttery cracker topping.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
While fresh is specified, you can use frozen broccoli if it is thawed and very well-drained to prevent sogginess.