Broccoli-Cheddar Bars
- Level: Easy
- Yield: about 24 bars
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 24 servings
- Calories
- 165
- Total Fat
- 10
- Saturated Fat
- 4
- Carbohydrates
- 12
- Dietary Fiber
- 1
- Sugar
- 1
- Protein
- 7
- Cholesterol
- 47
- Sodium
- 195
- Total: 1 hr 20 min
- Active: 30 min
Ingredients
Nonstick baking spray, for the baking dish
6 ounces bacon (6 to 8 slices), finely chopped
About 1/4 cup olive oil
10 ounces small broccoli florets (about 5 cups)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups whole milk
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, diced
4 scallions, thinly sliced
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the longer sides; spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the bacon to a medium nonstick skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour the bacon fat into a liquid measuring cup – you should have about 1/4 cup. Add more olive oil to the measuring cup until it reaches 1/2 cup.
- Meanwhile, add the broccoli to a medium microwave-safe bowl and add 2 tablespoons water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 2 teaspoons salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk the milk, eggs and bacon fat-olive oil mixture in a large bowl until smooth and combined. Add the flour mixture and whisk to combine. Fold in the bacon, steamed broccoli, Cheddar and scallions until evenly combined.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top into an even layer. Bake until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Set aside on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then remove the bars from the pan and slice into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)