Broccoli and Bleu Cheese Casserole

An ideal hostess' dream is having some vegetables that can be prepared in the oven along with a some sort of roast.  Right?  Well, here is an ideal broccoli and bleu cheese casserole  I think the whole family will love!

Delicious tender broccoli florets baked in a creamy cheesy sauce, it is not only easy to prepare, but I find it to be an excellent casserole to serve at a dinner party, a buffet or even at potluck.

The other day while my hairstylist was cutting my hair, she asked me if I can give her a recipe for a broccoli dish to make for Easter Sunday.  She didn't want the usual and sometimes boring  steamed broccoli dishes.  I remembered enjoying a delicious broccoli casserole I had for dinner at our neighbors home one evening,  Dorothy and Ed Cook.  I called Dorothy who I love dearly and is like a second mother to me, and asked if I could have her recipe. She said yes!

I made the broccoli and blue cheese casserole Sunday for my family and friends. I found it to be very easy to make and delicious!  Without any stress, I had another side vegetable to serve with dinner.  Best of all,  everyone really enjoyed it.




Broccoli and Bleu Cheese Casserole

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 ( 4 ounce) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup bleu cheese crumbled
• 1 cup milk
• 3 (12 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets - steamed, drained
• 1 tsp. salt
• plain bread crumbs
• grated parmigiana cheese

In a large sauce pot with 2 inches of water, add 3 packages of frozen broccoli florets and salt. Cover and bring water to boil and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and drain broccoli. Return broccoli to pot and cover, allowing  broccoli to steam for a few minutes.

In the meantime, in a small sauce pan, blend together butter, flour and cheeses on low heat. Add milk,  cook and stir mixture until mixture comes to boil. Stir until mixture is creamy and cheeses have melted. Turn off heat. Pour into the broccoli and mix together well.

Pour broccoli and cheese mixture into a 2 quart casserole and top with a light layer of plain bread crumbs and parmigiana cheese.

Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 6 to 8