Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole Recipe
Tender broccoli, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked until golden — this Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Casserole is comfort food at its finest. A perfect side dish or hearty main.
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Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Broccoli
1 Leek
4 rashers Bacon streaky
1 cup Cheese grated
2 tbsp Oil
Cheese Sauce
3 tbsp Margarine
1 1/4 cup Milk
3 tbsp Flour
Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Cut 1 1/2 cups broccoli into smaller pieces and boil for 2 minutes. Drain and place into a casserole dish.
- Slice 1 leek and dice 4 rashers streaky bacon. Fry in 2 tbsp oil until the bacon is lightly browned and the leek is soft.
- Sprinkle the leek and bacon mixture over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- To make the cheese sauce, melt 3 tbsp margarine in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in 3 tbsp flour, salt, and pepper to taste, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 1/4 cups milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Add 1/2 cup grated cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, bacon, and leek mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup grated cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is light golden brown.
Hints & Tips
- Blanch broccoli briefly – This keeps it bright green and prevents it from overcooking in the oven.
- Use strong cheddar – A mature cheddar will give a richer, deeper cheese flavour.
- Add a crunchy topping – Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese for extra texture.
- Make ahead – Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Mix up the veg – Swap some of the broccoli for cauliflower for a tasty variation.
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