Broccoli Casserole With Parmesan Cheese Sauce

Broccoli Casserole With Parmesan Cheese Sauce

This casserole goes well with any meat entree.

4 1/2 cups broccoli florets
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/4 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup coarse dry bread crumbs, preferably sourdough

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium saucepan over high heat, cook broccoli in boiling salted water to cover for 3 minutes and drain thoroughly.

In an 8-by-10-inch glass baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray or oil, place the broccoli in a single layer.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.

Add flour, salt and pepper and stir until bubbly.

Add milk and stir constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Add cream cheese and Parmesan and stir until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.

Pour the sauce over the broccoli.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter.

Stir in bread crumbs and mix well. Sprinkle mixture over the casserole.

Bake, uncovered, until casserole is bubbly and the top is golden, approximately 35 minutes.

Serves 4 to 6.