Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.5g)
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz or 57g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.5g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5g) (optional)
  • 8 ounces (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (115g) Gruyere cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (30 ml)
  • 1 sleeve (about 35 crackers, 5 oz or 142g) Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 4 tablespoons (2 oz or 57g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Steam or lightly boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Season with olive oil, salt and pepper.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth. Stir in sour cream.
  4. Spread the broccoli evenly in the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli.
  5. Combine crushed crackers and melted butter.
  6. Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over the cheese sauce. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.