Broccoli & Cheddar Casserole

This is one of my favourite recipes of all time - a classic in my family. It's easy to make, & though it's total comfort food, it's a perfect side dish to bring to a pot luck, family dinner or brunch!



Broccoli & Cheddar Casserole

 What you'll need:

• 15 x 10 x 2 baking tray <-- Might as well make a big one! Left overs are amazing, but if you want a smaller portion simply downsize the recipe.
• Three cans of cream of mushroom soup <-- May be substituted with cream of broccoli, cream of chicken, or cheddar soup.
• Three bunches of broccoli <-- Six to nine heads - this really depends on the size of the casserole you are preparing, though
• Three cups of Minute Rice <-- I use whole wheat, though white will do.
• Two to Three cups of shredded Old Cheddar cheese <-- Depends how cheesy you want it!
• Three eggs
• Italian style bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Margarine
• Milk
• Herbes de Provence

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees
2. Boil your heads of broccoli for about five minutes. Don't add salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the three cans of soup, three cups of Minute Rice & your shredded cheddar.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs & add about 1/2 cup of milk. Stir well.
5. Combine both bowls. Mix well with a large spatuala. You're looking for a thick & creamy consistency here.
6. Transfer your broccoli heads to your baking dish and with a fork & knife (this just makes it nice & quick) chop them into bite size pieces - there should be enough to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
7. Once the bottom of the pan is completely covered by your broccoli, pour your bowl mixture onto the broccoli. Distribute evenly.
8. In a small bowl, melt approx. one tablespoon of margarine.
9. Once the margarine is melted, add approx. one cup of Italian style bread crumbs & mix well, giving the crumbs more of a crusty consistency.
10. Spread the crumb topping all over the top of the casserole - ensure that it's even. Though you want to cover the entire casserole to ensure an even crust-topping, you don't want a THICK layer of bread crumbs, as then.. well, it just becomes a mess :)
11. Once your casserole is topped off with bread crumbs, sprinkle some Parm cheese & Herbes de Provence (optional, but adds such a nice herb taste to your crust) over the casserole.
12. Bake in the over for about 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.