""The old-school version of this recipe uses canned soup and often calls for frozen broccoli. My new twist is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It takes just a smidgen of more time, but the results are absolutely extraordinary." —Contributing editor Virginia Willis, author of Lighten Up, Y'all..."
INGREDIENTS
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
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2 cups (8 oz.) shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
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3 cups reduced-sodium, fat-free chicken broth
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2 cups milk
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1 bay leaf
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1 fresh thyme sprig
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2 cups chopped onion
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1/2 cup diced celery
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1 (8-oz.) package sliced cremini mushrooms
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1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
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2 Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 Pinch of ground red pepper
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1 1/2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
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1/8 cup sour cream
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3 cup mayonnaise
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teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
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cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads)