600g(21.2oz)broccoli floretsabout 3 small or 2 large broccoli heads (see Notes)
For the topping:
125g(4.4oz)sourdough breador other rustic bread, torn into chunks
1tbspfresh thyme leaves(or 1 tsp dried)
125g(4.4oz)stilton cheese
black pepper
50g(1.8oz)buttermelted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. For the crumble topping, blitz the bread into chunky crumbs in a food processor. Tip into a bowl with the thyme and crumble in the stilton. Season with black pepper and stir through the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Set aside while you continue with the rest of the steps.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil, ready for the broccoli.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan on a medium heat, stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the milk. Cook, stirring continuously, on a medium heat until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the mustard and grated cheese, and season to taste.
Blanch the broccoli in the boiling water for just 2 minutes (it will continue to soften in the oven, so don’t overcook it at this stage), then drain in a colander. Spread out in a medium ovenproof dish (approx. 27cm x 20cm).
Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli, scatter over the crumble topping and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
Substitute the broccoli for cauliflower or a mixture of both, if you fancy.
Make ahead – prepare a few hours ahead and chill, with the crumble topping stored separately – just scatter over to bake.
Optional variations:
Add extra crunch - add toasted walnuts, hazelnuts or pumpkin seeds to the crumble.
Make it heartier - add sliced potatoes, stir in cooked pasta or add sautéed mushrooms.
Add depth to the sauce - add crushed garlic or sliced leeks.
Cheese swaps - try gorgonzola or roquefort instead of stilton.
Lighter version - reduce the amount of stilton crumble topping and add extra greens.
This broccoli and stilton crumble recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.