Randy Chandler
Broccoli and cheese sauce is a classic combination that can be made in a variety of ways. While some recipes call for cheddar cheese, others suggest using American cheese, Colby, or Monterey Jack. Muenster cheese is also a good option for a broccoli cheese sauce as it melts well and can contribute to a smooth and creamy sauce. To make a basic cheese sauce, one can melt butter and add flour, milk, and seasonings, before adding the shredded cheese of their choice. This sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to three days, although it tends to thicken upon cooling and may require additional milk when reheated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese options | Cheddar, American, Swiss, Colby, Fontina, Gouda, Gruyère, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Blue Cheese, Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Cream Cheese, Apricot Stilton, Blue Stilton |
| Base ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, mustard powder |
| Additional ingredients | Worcestershire sauce, honey mustard, ranch, nature's seasoning, hot sauce |
| Tips | Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, shred cheese by hand, use whole milk, continuously whisk while cooking, cut broccoli into similar-sized florets, reheat over low heat |
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What You'll Learn
Muenster is a good melting cheese
Muenster cheese is a good option for making a cheese sauce for broccoli. It is a good melting cheese, and it can be used to make a smooth and creamy sauce.
Cheese sauces for broccoli are typically made with a base of butter and flour, cooked together to form a roux. Milk is then added and heated until thickened. Finally, shredded cheese is stirred through until melted. This basic cheese sauce can be adapted with different types of cheese, and other flavourings such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce.
When making a cheese sauce, it is important to pay attention to the milk as it heats, stirring constantly so that it does not scorch or scald. It should not be cooked over medium heat. The cheese should be shredded by hand for optimal melting, and added to the sauce off the heat.
Muenster cheese is a good melting cheese due to its moisture content. It is best to use block cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese, as this tends to melt more smoothly and is usually cheaper. However, pre-shredded cheese can also be used, and will work well if it has minimal additives.
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Broccoli cheese sauce recipes
Broccoli and cheese sauce is a delicious combination that can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are some recipes and tips to make a tasty broccoli cheese sauce:
Basic Ingredients:
A basic cheese sauce for broccoli typically includes butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder can also be added for extra flavour. For the cheese, cheddar is a popular choice, but other varieties such as American, Swiss, Colby, or Muenster also melt well and can be used.
Preparation:
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to get rid of the floury flavour. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously to create a thick sauce base. Ensure the milk doesn't scald by stirring constantly and cooking over medium heat.
Once the sauce has thickened, add your desired cheese a little at a time, whisking constantly until it melts. Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent scalding. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, shred the cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Hand-shredding the cheese also helps it melt optimally.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium heat, adding small amounts of milk to restore its original consistency.
- This sauce pairs well with roasted or steamed broccoli, cauliflower, baked potatoes, and more.
Variations:
For a kick of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add ranch dressing and nature's seasoning for a unique flavour profile.
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Broccoli cheese sauce storage
Broccoli cheese sauce is a tasty dish that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-days days. To store it, place it in an airtight container and keep it covered in the fridge. When reheating, use a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat, adding a small amount of milk to thin out the sauce and return it to its original consistency.
It is important to note that the cheese sauce tends to coagulate as it cools, so whisking in some milk while reheating can help make it creamier. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, store it in an airtight container, leaving some extra room for expansion. For the best texture, defrost the sauce overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating frozen sauce, use the microwave at 50% power in 20-second increments, stirring between each interval.
Additionally, it is recommended to store the cheese sauce separately from the broccoli for optimal texture. This ensures that both components retain their ideal consistency and quality during storage.
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Broccoli cheese sauce consistency
A good broccoli cheese sauce should be rich, creamy, and ultra gooey. The sauce should be thick enough to generously coat the broccoli without being too heavy. To achieve this consistency, there are several methods you can use, depending on the ingredients you have on hand and the time you are willing to spend.
One simple method is to use a pre-made cheese sauce, such as Campbell's Cheddar Soup, and heat it up. This is a quick and easy option that requires minimal effort. Another option is to use a basic bechamel sauce as a base and add your desired cheese to it. To make a bechamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, sprinkle in flour, and whisk until combined. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to get rid of the floury flavour. Then, gradually add milk, whisking continuously, and bring it to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.
If you're short on time, you can create a cheese sauce in under two minutes using a microwave. Additionally, you can add a slice of processed American cheese to shredded cheese when making mac & cheese. The sodium citrate in American cheese will help create a saucy texture without breaking. For a smoother sauce, you can use block cheese and hand grate it into the sauce. Freezing the block of cheese for a few minutes beforehand can make grating easier.
When making a cheese sauce from scratch, it's important to pay attention to the milk to ensure it doesn't scald. Constantly stir the milk and avoid cooking it over medium heat. A good indication that the milk has thickened enough to add the cheese is when it coats the back of a spoon. Once you've added the cheese, continue heating the sauce over low heat until it reaches your desired level of thickness. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.
Leftover cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add splashes of milk to restore its original consistency. While freezing is an option, creamy, dairy-based sauces may not retain the same consistency when reheated.
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Broccoli cheese sauce pairings
Broccoli and cheese sauce is a classic pairing that can be adapted in numerous ways. The sauce itself is versatile and can be used as a topping for many other dishes.
Cheese Selection
When it comes to cheese selection, there are many options to choose from. Muenster is a good melting cheese and can be used to make a smooth sauce. Other cheeses that melt well include American, Cheddar, Swiss, Colby, Fontina, Gouda, Gruyère, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Blue Cheese, Brie, and Camembert. For a more intense flavour, Blue Stilton or Apricot Stilton can be added to a standard cheese sauce. Cream cheese can also be added to the sauce to make it creamier.
Sauce Add-Ins
A basic cheese sauce can be made with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour and whisk until combined. Cook this mixture, known as a roux, for a minute or two. Next, add milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, or hot sauce to taste.
Pairing Ideas
Broccoli cheese sauce can be used as a topping for baked potatoes, stuffed potatoes, or nachos. It can also be served as a dip for pretzels, chips, or French fries. For a complete meal, stir in some protein and vegetables to make a simple pasta sauce. Broccoli cheese sauce can also be poured over steamed or boiled broccoli florets for a classic side dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Good melting cheeses include American, Cheddar, Swiss, Colby, Fontina, Gouda, Gruyère, Havarti, Monterey Jack, and Muenster.
Melted cheese will have the best, most creamy consistency if it’s at room temperature before being melted. It is also recommended to use block cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can result in a grainy texture.
You can add a teaspoon of hot sauce, blue or apricot Stilton, cream cheese, or a shot of Worcestershire sauce and a dollop of honey mustard.
Broccoli cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
If you're short on time, you can melt a slice of American cheese in some scalded milk, then start adding other cheeses. The sodium citrate in the American cheese will help create a saucy texture without breaking.
