Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients and Weight: - 1 large head of broccoli (about 2 pounds), chopped into florets - 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 pound) - 2 celery sticks, chopped (about 1/2 pound) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 3 cups milk - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce) - 1/4 cup bread crumbs (optional)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level: 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3 minutes.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
10. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
11. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, if desired.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutritional Information: - Calories: 250 per serving - Fat: 15 grams per serving - Cholesterol: 40 milligrams per serving - Sodium: 450 milligrams per serving - Carbohydrates: 25 grams per serving - Protein: 15 grams per serving

Dish Characteristics: - Creamy and cheesy - Packed with vegetables - Quick and easy to make - Perfect for a family meal or potluck

User Comments: - "This is the best broccoli casserole I've ever had! It's so creamy and flavorful." - "I love that this recipe uses fresh broccoli, it makes a huge difference." - "I'm not usually a fan of broccoli casserole, but this one is delicious. It's not too heavy and the bread crumbs add a nice crunch."

Special Precautions and Tips: - If you don't have fresh broccoli, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking. - If you want a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of milk. - If you don't have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or tortilla chips.