Baking Cheesy Broccoli: The Perfect Timing Guide

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that is sure to be a hit, especially with kids. There are many ways to cook cheesy broccoli in the oven, including baking it as a casserole or roasting it on a sheet pan. The cooking time will depend on the method and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 15 to 45 minutes.

Broccoli and cheese bake preparation

This guide will take you through the steps to prepare a delicious broccoli and cheese bake. This dish is perfect as a side or a main and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• Broccoli
• Butter
• Flour
• Onion
• Milk
• Salt and Pepper
• Cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, or a mix of your choice)
• Eggs

Method

Step 1: Steam the Broccoli

Place the broccoli in a steamer over an inch of boiling water. Cover and cook until crisp-tender, this should take around 2 to 6 minutes. Drain the broccoli once cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir until the mixture is bubbling. Then, stir in the onion, followed by the milk. Bring this to a boil and cook for about a minute. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine Broccoli, Sauce, and Cheese

Add the cheese and eggs to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts. Then, add the broccoli and stir to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to around 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the broccoli and sauce mixture to a casserole dish and bake until bubbly, which should take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Tips and Variations

• You can use skim milk, fat-free cheese, or choose to omit the eggs for a lighter version of this dish.
• For extra flavour, try adding some garlic, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer your broccoli with a bit of crunch, roast it in the oven with some olive oil, lemon juice, and salt before adding it to the sauce.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
• Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to five days.

Enjoy your homemade broccoli and cheese bake!

Broccoli cheese casserole ingredients

A broccoli cheese casserole is a great dish to make for a family dinner or get-together. It is also a perfect side dish for special occasions and holidays. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious meal.

Basic Ingredients

• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
• Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or a combination of both. Grating your own cheese will result in a better melt and taste.
• Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter, according to your preference.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to make a homemade sauce for the casserole.
• Milk: Whole milk or heavy cream will add richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Eggs: These lend moisture and help hold the ingredients together.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and paprika are commonly used to season the casserole.

Optional Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a subtle tangy flavour.
• Onion: Chopped or dried minced onion can be added for extra flavour.
• Sour Cream: Provides additional creaminess and a tangy flavour to the sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: A small amount adds flavour to the casserole.
• Crackers: Crushed crackers, such as Ritz or cheese crackers, can be added for a crispy, buttery topping.

With these ingredients, you can create a delicious and creamy broccoli cheese casserole that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

How to make a cheese sauce

A good cheese sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary arsenal. It can be used as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, or even roast beef sandwiches. It can also be used as a dip for veggies, pretzel bites, or chips. Here is a simple recipe for a delicious cheese sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-2 cups of milk
• 1 3/4 to 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk until you get a smooth paste.
• Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously, until fully incorporated. This should take about 2 minutes.
• Add the cheese and continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Your cheese sauce is now ready to be enjoyed! You can add salt and pepper to taste, and even throw in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Tips:

• To get a smooth sauce, use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can make your sauce lumpy.
• Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent the cheese from clumping.
• Remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese. Overheating the cheese can cause it to become stringy or clumpy.
• Cook the butter and flour mixture until it turns golden. This will get rid of the raw flour taste.

Enjoy your homemade cheese sauce!

How to roast broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a super easy and versatile side dish. The crisp, golden brown florets are delicious on their own or in other recipes. Here is a simple method for how to roast broccoli, along with some tips and serving suggestions.

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven warms up, break a head of broccoli into evenly sized florets. This ensures that all the pieces cook at a similar rate. Spread the florets on the baking sheet in a single layer, with a little space between each one. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of roasting.

Cooking

Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Transfer the broccoli to the hot oven and roast for 15 to 22 minutes, or until the florets are browned and crisp around the edges.

Serving

You can serve roasted broccoli as is, or try one of the following serving suggestions:

• Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the florets as soon as they come out of the oven.
• Toss with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
• Sprinkle with lemon zest and toss with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
• Drizzle with sesame oil and tamari or soy sauce, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic, and bake for another 2 minutes or so until the cheese is melted.
• Top with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
• Drizzle with a sauce like cilantro lime dressing, tahini sauce, chipotle sauce, peanut sauce, cashew cream, vegan cheese, or pesto.

Tips

• Wash and dry your broccoli before tossing it with oil. If it's too wet, it won't get brown and crisp in the oven.
• Don't be afraid to salt your broccoli generously.
• Don't toss the stalk! Chop and roast it with the florets, or save it to make soup or pulse it into broccoli rice.

Enjoy your roasted broccoli!

Broccoli and cheese variations

There are many ways to cook broccoli and cheese in the oven, and most recipes are flexible and can be adapted to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

Cheese Sauce

A homemade cheese sauce is a delicious addition to broccoli and can be made with a variety of cheeses. For example, a combination of cheddar and Parmesan, or Swiss cheese, can be used. To make the sauce, simply melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and stir, then slowly add milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then add your cheese and stir until melted.

Broccoli

Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used, and it is usually cut into florets or small pieces. It can be steamed, boiled, or sautéed before being added to the cheese sauce. Some recipes call for the broccoli to be roasted in the oven with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, which gives it a crispy texture.

Additional Ingredients

There are endless possibilities for adding extra ingredients to your broccoli and cheese dish. Some suggestions include:

• Bacon
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Ritz crackers
• Spices such as red pepper flakes or paprika
• Different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan

Cooking and Serving

Broccoli and cheese dishes are typically baked in the oven for around 30 minutes, though cooking times can vary depending on the recipe. It can be served as a side dish with meat or other vegetables, or as a standalone meal.

Customisation

Most broccoli and cheese recipes are very adaptable, so you can customise them to your taste preferences or dietary requirements. For example, you can use skim milk, fat-free cheese, or leave out the eggs if desired. You can also add more cheese to the dish before placing it in the oven to make it extra cheesy!

Frequently asked questions