Broccoli Cheese Appetizer - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 head broccoli, blanched and chopped or 16 ounces frozen broccoli, thawed
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup heavy cream or 1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp
salt & pepper, to taste
1 bread bowls, top round cut out or 1 loaf French bread, sliced into rounds

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. If using a 9x13 baking dish, grease bottom and sides.
In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, melt butter and add garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring, about 1 minute. Add flour, stirring constantly, until golden, another minute. Then add the cream or milk and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until melted.
Add chopped broccoli and stir until combined well. Transfer to bread bowl, if using, then place on a baking sheet. Skip to next step for the French bread.
If using French bread, place a layer of slices on the bottom of the baking dish. Add about half of the broccoli mixture. Add another layer of bread and finish with the rest of the broccoli mixture.
Bake until mixture is warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Serve the bread bowl with chips, or the casserole into individual servings.