Food Recipes Side Dishes Vegetable Side Dishes Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole with Leeks 3.0 (939) Add your rating & review This classic is updated with deep-flavored cheddar and a crunchy topping of crumbled crackers and toasted almonds. More Casserole Recipes By Justin Chapple Justin Chapple Justin Chapple is a chef, recipe developer, food writer, video host, and cookbook author. In addition, he is the culinary director-at-large of Food & Wine and host of their video series, Mad Genius Tips, for which he was nominated twice for a prestigious James Bead Award. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 22, 2019 Rate PRINT Share Photo: © Alexandra Rowley Total Time: 45 mins Yield: 8 to 10 Ingredients 3 pounds broccoli, cut into small florets, stems peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch coins 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 leeks, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise Kosher salt 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups whole milk 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup coarsely crushed saltine crackers 1/2 cup sliced almonds 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Directions Preheat the oven to 400°. Set a steamer basket in a large, deep saucepan filled with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Add all of the broccoli, cover and cook over high heat until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a paper towel–lined baking sheet to drain. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the leeks and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and whisk over moderately high heat until bubbling and a paste forms, about 2 minutes. Add the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheddar and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Pour half of the cheese sauce into a large 2-inch-deep baking dish. Arrange the drained broccoli on top of the cheese sauce in a single layer and drizzle the remaining cheese sauce on top. In a small bowl, mix the crackers with the almonds and melted butter and sprinkle over the broccoli. Bake the casserole for 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Originally appeared: November 2011 Rate It Print