Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets, (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper, paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon ((granulated, crushed cube, or base))
• 1/2 tsp EACH dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder
• pinch of cayenne
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, (crumbled)
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Line a large baking sheet (21x15, or 2 half sheets) with foil for easy cleanup and spray with cooking spray.

2. 2

   Roast broccoli: Add the broccoli to the baking sheet(s) and drizzle with the olive oil; season with the salt, pepper and paprika. Toss until evenly coated, then spread into an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes (meanwhile make cheese sauce). Remove the roasted broccoli, then lower the heat to 350 degrees F.

3. 3

   Make sauce: In a large saucepan (I use this braiser), melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour, then cook, while whisking, for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Add Dijon, chicken bouillon and all spices/seasonings.

4. 4

   Add cheese: Bring sauce to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce heat to a simmer, whisking often until thickened to desired consistency. Reduce heat to low and whisk in cheddar until melted followed by Parmesan cheese until melted.

5. 5

   Combine: Add broccoli and stir until evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste, realizing the Ritz will add some salt (I add ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Transfer to the greased 9x13 baking dish.

6. 6

   Topping: Combine Ritz and melted butter in a bowl and stir until combine. Evenly sprinkle over the cheesy broccoli.

7. 7

   Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese sauce is bubbly. Broil for a couple minutes until crackers are golden. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.