Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Pie: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Broccoli cheese pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the goodness of broccoli with the richness of cheese in a flaky, golden crust. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a truly exceptional broccoli cheese pie, from preparing the crust to achieving that perfect cheesy melt.

## Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Pie

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of broccoli and cheese is a classic for a reason. It’s familiar, satisfying, and universally appealing.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables, different cheeses, or even some cooked meat.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The pie can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck gathering, broccoli cheese pie is always a welcome addition.
* **Kid-Friendly (Mostly!):** While some kids might be hesitant about broccoli, the cheesy sauce and flaky crust often win them over.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Crust:

* **2 ½ cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crust.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** Creates flaky layers in the crust. Make sure the butter is very cold!
* **½ cup ice water:** Binds the dough together. Use only as much as needed.

### For the Filling:

* **1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets:** The star of the show! Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the onion.
* **1 small onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base to the filling.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Enhances the flavor of the filling.
* **¼ cup all-purpose flour:** Thickens the cheese sauce.
* **2 cups milk:** Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
* **4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend):** Use your favorite cheeses for a customized flavor profile. A combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere is highly recommended.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Seasons the filling.
* **¼ teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional):** Adds a warm, subtle flavor.
* **2 large eggs, lightly beaten:** Binds the filling together and adds richness.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch pie plate:** To bake the pie.
* **Food processor (optional):** Makes the crust-making process easier.
* **Large saucepan:** For making the cheese sauce.
* **Steamer basket or pot:** For steaming the broccoli.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the filling.
* **Rolling pin:** For rolling out the crust.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Part 1: Making the Crust

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the mixture is crumbly.

3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4. **Form into Discs:** Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).

### Part 2: Preparing the Filling

1. **Steam the Broccoli:** Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be cooked through but still have a slight bite. Alternatively, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help retain their vibrant green color.

2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. **Make the Cheese Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

4. **Add the Cheese and Seasoning:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

5. **Combine the Filling Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, and lightly beaten eggs. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

### Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Pie

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate and trim any excess dough. Crimp the edges to create a decorative border.

3. **Add the Filling:** Pour the broccoli cheese filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

4. **Roll Out the Top Crust (Optional):** If using a top crust, roll out the second dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Cut a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape. Carefully place the crust over the filling and trim any excess dough. Crimp the edges to seal the top and bottom crusts together. Alternatively, you can create lattice strips for a decorative top.

5. **Bake the Pie:** Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.

6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set up slightly and makes it easier to cut.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Cold Ingredients:** The key to a flaky pie crust is using cold butter and ice water. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly, which creates steam and results in those desirable layers.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Blind Bake the Crust (Optional):** If you’re concerned about the bottom crust becoming soggy, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until lightly golden.
* **Use a Variety of Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Fontina all work well in this pie.
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its flavor. Steam or blanch it until it’s just tender-crisp.
* **Let the Pie Cool:** Allowing the pie to cool slightly before slicing helps the filling set up and makes it easier to cut neat slices.

## Variations and Customizations

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
* **Add Cooked Meat:** For a heartier pie, add some cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to the filling.
* **Use Different Crusts:** You can use a store-bought pie crust or even a gluten-free crust if you prefer.
* **Make Mini Pies:** Use muffin tins to make individual broccoli cheese pies. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a lovely aromatic touch to the filling.

## Serving Suggestions

* Broccoli cheese pie is delicious on its own as a main course.
* Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
* It’s also great as a side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover broccoli cheese pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

## Recipe Card

**Broccoli Cheese Pie**

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ½ cup ice water
* **For the Filling:**
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend)
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Crust:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, and eggs.
3. **Assemble and Bake the Pie:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs and transfer it to a pie plate. Pour the filling into the crust. Roll out the second dough disc (if using) and place it over the filling, cutting slits to allow steam to escape. Crimp the edges to seal. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade broccoli cheese pie!