Penny'S Broccoli Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 (10 ounce) packages broccoli, frozen, chopped
1/4 cup butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (2 oz)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, fine (I prefer crushed ritz crackers or none at all.)

Preparation

Cook the broccoli according to the package directions; drain well. Place the broccoli in a lightly greased 1 quart casserole; set aside.
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add the salt and pepper; stir well.
Add the cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese sauce over the broccoli in the casserole dish. Stir gently to combine. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.
Melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over low heat. remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.