CREAMY BROCCOLI GRATIN

Creamy Broccoli Gratin image

Provided by April Box

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 large head broccoli, about 3 lbs, trimmed and cut into florets, about 10 cups, or 2 large bags of frozen broccoli florets, thawed.
1/2 c butter (1 stick)
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 small onion, diced (1/2 c)
1/4 c flour
2 c light cream or half and half
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 c grated cheese - i use mexi-mix
1/2 c grated cheese for the top

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Cook broccoli 3 - 5 min or just till tender crisp, or set frozen broccoli in a colander and run water to thaw. Drain and place in large bowl.
2. Melt butter in a 12" skillet over medium heat and cook onion and red pepper 3 min, stirring occasionally. until vegetables are crisp tender. Remove to broccoli bowl with a slotted spoon. Add flour to pan. Cook 1 - 2 minutes, until blended. Gradually stir in cream or half & half. Cook and stir till mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 2 min. Remove from heat and add 1 1/2 cups cheese and salt/pepper. Pour over vegetables and toss to coat well. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup of cheese.
3. Bake 15 - 20 minutes until mixture is hot and bubbly. Makes 6 - 8 servings.