Kamil Perry
Broccoli salad is a popular side dish for parties and potlucks, and it's easy to see why. This salad is a flavour and texture sensation, with crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing. But the question on everyone's lips is: do you put cheese in broccoli salad? The answer is yes, you can! In fact, a sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish. However, some recipes omit the cheese, so it's not a required ingredient. Ultimately, it's up to the chef's discretion to decide whether or not to include cheese in their broccoli salad creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Gouda |
| Cheese texture | Thick shreds, small cubes |
| Other ingredients | Broccoli, bacon, cranberries, almonds, sunflower seeds, onion, raisins, grapes, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower |
| Dressing | Mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Greek yoghurt, sour cream, mustard |
| Preparation | Broccoli should be crunchy, cut into small florets, cheese and other ingredients combined in a bowl, dressing poured over and tossed |
| Serving | Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, best after resting for about an hour in the fridge, keeps well for about 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli salads are best with sharp cheddar cheese
Broccoli salads are a tasty and nutritious dish, perfect for a summer potluck or backyard barbecue. They are also a great side dish for Easter or holiday dinners. A classic broccoli salad is made with bacon, cranberries, and a creamy dressing. But what about cheese? Well, it turns out that cheese is a fantastic addition to broccoli salad, and sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect variety to use.
First of all, the sharpness of cheddar cheese pairs exceptionally well with the other ingredients in a broccoli salad. The salty, savoury notes of sharp cheddar complement the sweetness of the cranberries and the smokiness of the bacon. It also adds a nice creamy texture to the salad, especially when paired with a mayonnaise-based dressing.
Secondly, when it comes to buying cheese for your broccoli salad, sharp cheddar is a great choice because it has a stronger flavour than milder cheddars. This means a little goes a long way, and you won't need to use as much cheese to get a good flavour in your salad. The thicker the shred, the better, as this ensures that the cheese is noticeable in the salad. You can buy pre-shredded cheese, but shredding a block of cheese yourself will result in thicker shreds and a better texture.
Finally, sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways in a broccoli salad. You can shred it, cut it into small cubes, or even crumble it, depending on the texture you prefer. It's a key ingredient in the classic combination of broccoli, bacon, and cheese, but it can also be used in more creative ways. For example, one recipe suggests adding gouda cheese and merjadol dates to the salad, creating a unique and tasty twist on the classic.
So, if you're looking to make a delicious and crowd-pleasing broccoli salad, be sure to include sharp cheddar cheese. It adds flavour, texture, and versatility to the dish, making it a true standout at any potluck or barbecue.
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Broccoli salads can be made ahead of time
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and parties. It is a flavourful and textured salad with a combination of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet and chewy dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing. The addition of cheese is a matter of preference, with options such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or no cheese at all.
When making broccoli salad ahead of time, it is essential to consider the ingredients and their potential to get soggy. Broccoli salad can be made up to three days in advance if covered and stored in the fridge. However, certain ingredients, such as cheese, bacon, and almonds, may be added just before serving to maintain their texture. Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for about an hour can enhance the flavours and textures, creating a more cohesive dish.
The key to a delicious broccoli salad is in the preparation of the broccoli and the choice of mix-ins. Fresh broccoli should be cut into small, bite-sized florets to ensure tenderness and ease of eating. Blanching the broccoli is optional, but if desired, it should be done quickly, for no more than 60 seconds, to retain the broccoli's crunch.
The mix-ins are what make broccoli salad special. Bacon is a popular addition, with the option to use real bacon bits or cook your own. Cheese is another favourite, with sharp cheddar being a common choice due to its distinct flavour. However, other cheeses like gouda can also be used. To enhance the creaminess of the salad, a dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar is often used, with the option to add Greek yoghurt for a healthier alternative.
When making broccoli salad ahead of time, it is best to prepare the dressing separately and toss it with the salad ingredients just before serving. This ensures that the broccoli and mix-ins remain coated in the dressing and do not dry out. Additionally, it is important to store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavour.
Broccoli salad is a versatile and convenient dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. It is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and get-togethers.
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Broccoli salads are a great side dish for BBQs
A classic broccoli salad typically includes bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. The bacon adds a salty, crispy element, while the cheese provides a sharp, creamy contrast. When choosing cheese for a broccoli salad, it's best to use a thicker shred of sharp cheddar cheese to ensure the cheese can be seen and tasted. You can also cut the cheese into small cubes for added texture.
To make the dressing, mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar are typically whisked together to create a sweet and tangy flavour profile. Some recipes suggest using olive oil mayo for added creaminess and flavour, while others recommend using Greek yoghurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. You can also add other ingredients to the dressing, such as Chardonnay, to soften the sharpness of the vinegar.
In addition to the core ingredients, broccoli salads can be customised with a variety of mix-ins. This may include nuts, dried cranberries or other dried fruits, and even vegetables like cauliflower, shredded cabbage, and carrots. These additional ingredients add texture, flavour, and nutritional value to the salad. Broccoli salads are versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences.
Broccoli salads are a convenient choice for BBQs as they can be prepared in advance and transported easily. The salad holds up well and gets better with time as the flavours meld together. It's a simple, fast, and refreshing side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ or potluck gathering.
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Broccoli salads are best with thick-cut cheese shreds
Broccoli salad is a tasty and crunchy dish that can be served as a side at parties or potlucks. It is a simple dish to make and can be prepared in under 15 minutes. The key ingredients of broccoli salad are broccoli, bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
When it comes to the cheese, thicker shreds of cheese are better. Finely shredded cheese can get lost in the salad and may not provide the desired taste and texture. Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice for broccoli salad, as it adds a nice tanginess and flavour. However, if you don't like cheddar, any cheese that can be shredded will work. You can also cut the cheese into small cubes for a different texture.
To get thick shreds, you can buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself using a box grater with larger holes. This way, you can control the thickness of the shreds. You can also look for thicker shreds at the grocery store, as they often offer a range of shred sizes.
Adding cheese to your broccoli salad will enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. The thick-cut shreds will provide a creamy and tangy element that pairs well with the crunchy broccoli and other ingredients. The cheese will also help to bind all the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and delicious salad.
So, if you're making a broccoli salad, don't skimp on the cheese! Go for thick-cut shreds of your favourite variety to take your salad to the next level.
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Broccoli salads can be customised with different ingredients
Broccoli salads can be customised with a variety of ingredients, and there are several classic recipes to choose from. One popular option is to include bacon, cheese, cranberries, and nuts or seeds. This combination provides a range of textures and flavours, from the crunchy broccoli and nuts to the salty bacon and sweet cranberries.
When it comes to cheese, sharp or extra sharp cheddar is a common choice, and thicker shreds are often preferred over finely shredded varieties. Some recipes suggest cutting the cheese into small cubes for added impact. If cheddar isn't to your taste, other types of cheese can be used, such as gouda.
Broccoli salads can also be customised with different vegetables. Some recipes include cauliflower, while others bulk up the salad with shredded cabbage and carrots, adding colour and extra crunch.
The type of bacon used can also be varied. While some recipes call for traditional bacon, others suggest using pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative.
The dressing is another element that can be customised. A simple dressing might include mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar, but variations include using olive oil mayo, low-fat mayo, or Greek yoghurt. Apple cider vinegar and Chardonnay can be used for a softer taste, and some recipes omit the sugar or use a low-calorie sweetener instead.
Finally, while cheese is a popular ingredient in broccoli salad, it's not essential. Some recipes omit the cheese altogether, while others suggest adding it just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese. The thicker the shred, the better. If you want to be ambitious, you can buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself. You can also cut the cheese into small cubes.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese. Gouda cheese is a good substitute for cheddar cheese.
Yes, you can omit the cheese from the broccoli salad.
Broccoli salad typically includes bacon, cranberries, and a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. You can also add sunflower seeds, nuts, almonds, raisins, grapes, cabbage, and carrots.
Broccoli salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. It should not be left out for more than two hours at a time.
