Broccoli with Bacon Cheese Sauce

Broccoli with Bacon Cheese Sauce     

            

       

  Ingredients

 3-4 strips thick-cut bacon 

 1 tablespoon butter 

 1 clove garlic, minced 

 1/4 teaspoon salt 

 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

 2 cups whole milk 

 1/2 cup shredded Colby cheese 

 1/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 

 2 bunches broccoli, broken into bite-sized florets

                                            1/2 teaspoon black pepper                                                    

 Directions

  

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the bacon. 

Cook until the bacon is crisp and the fat has rendered, about 

6 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan to drain. Pour off 

all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. 

 2. Return the pan to the heat and add the butter. Once it foams 

add the garlic and salt and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 

30-40 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour. 

Whisk until the flour is moistened and lightly golden-brown in color, 

about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, whisking 

constantly, until the sauce just comes to a boil and thickens, 

about 5-6 minutes .

 3. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cheese in 

two additions, making sure the first has melted completely before 

adding the next. (It is important to add the cheese in slowly.) 

Cover the pan to keep the sauce warm while you prepare the broccoli.

 4. Bring 1" of water to a boil in a saucepan with a steamer basket. 

Add the broccoli and cover. Reduce the heat to medium and cook 

for 5–6 minutes or until the broccoli is fork tender. Remove from heat, 

place in serving dish, and smother with the cheese sauce. 

Garnish with the pepper and crumbled bacon.