Kamil Perry
Broccoli and cheese is a classic, kid-friendly side dish that's delicious, quick, and easy to make. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to cut the broccoli into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking it. Freshly grated cheese is best, as it melts more smoothly, and a sharper cheddar will add more flavour. To make the cheese sauce, start by making a roux with butter, flour, and milk, then add your cheese and season with salt and pepper. Finally, steam or sauté the broccoli, add the cheese sauce, and serve.
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What You'll Learn
How to make a cheese sauce with shredded cheese
To make a cheese sauce with shredded cheese, you can start by making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. Heat some butter in a pan, and then add an equal amount of flour, stirring the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. Then, slowly add milk to this paste, stirring continuously until you get a smooth sauce. You can add shredded cheese to this sauce, stirring on low heat until the cheese melts. You can season the sauce with salt and pepper, and add other ingredients like canned jalapenos, smoked paprika, chilli powder, or cumin.
Some recipes suggest making a bechamel sauce as a base for your cheese sauce. To make a bechamel sauce, heat butter in a pan, and then add flour, stirring until it becomes a thick paste. Then, slowly add milk to this mixture, stirring continuously until you get a smooth sauce. You can then add shredded cheese to this sauce, stirring on low heat until the cheese melts.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that pre-shredded cheese may not be ideal for making a cheese sauce, as it is coated in cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect how smoothly the cheese melts. However, other sources indicate that pre-shredded cheese can work just fine, and that it is possible to adjust the recipe to accommodate it. For example, you can melt cheese into evaporated milk, as the reduced water content can help keep the sauce smoother and more emulsified.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use can also impact the texture of your sauce. High-quality, aged cheeses tend to have a grainier texture when melted, so a medium or sharp cheddar may be a better option for a smoother sauce.
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Oven-roasted broccoli with shredded cheese
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash and trim the broccoli into uniform-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the broccoli dry and place it in a large bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the broccoli florets on a baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the broccoli.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the broccoli for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip over the broccoli florets.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the broccoli.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- For an extra crispy effect, broil the broccoli for the last minute or so, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Tips
- For the best melting results, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains additives.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or ground mustard to enhance the flavour.
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Pan-fried broccoli with shredded cheese
This is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that can be prepared in under 15 minutes. It's a perfect side dish that goes well with breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf. You can also serve it alongside chicken cutlets, sausage, or refried beans.
Ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, preferably sharp for more flavour)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Water
Optional ingredients for a cheese sauce:
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Parmesan cheese
- Cayenne
- Ground mustard
Instructions:
First, trim, clean, and cut the broccoli into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets to the pan, ensuring they aren't overlapping too much. Let the broccoli cook without stirring for about 3-5 minutes to let the bottoms brown slightly.
Next, sprinkle salt and pepper over the broccoli and give it a good stir. Then, add the shredded cheese. You can also add a splash of water to the pan to help steam the broccoli and melt the cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another minute or until the cheese is melted.
If you prefer a cheese sauce, start by creating a roux with butter and flour. Then, slowly add milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Finally, add the cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper, cayenne, and ground mustard to taste.
Serve the broccoli immediately, and enjoy!
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Steaming broccoli with shredded cheese
First, prepare the broccoli by rinsing it and trimming the stems towards the floret. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, whichever you have on hand. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it first.
Next, get a steamer and fill it with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and place the broccoli in the steamer. Cover the steamer and cook the broccoli for 2 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired tenderness. You can also steam the broccoli in a shallow pan by adding a bit of water, bringing it to a simmer, and covering it for a few minutes.
While the broccoli is steaming, prepare the cheese sauce. Shred your desired cheese—cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of both—and combine it with milk in a small, microwave-safe bowl. You can also add cornstarch to the mixture to thicken the sauce. Loosely cover the bowl and microwave it on high power for about 1 minute. Stir the cheese sauce, and if it hasn't melted smoothly yet, continue microwaving in 20- to 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.
Once the broccoli is tender, drain the water and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Drizzle the melted cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli. You can also add some butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This steamed broccoli with shredded cheese recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that can accompany various main courses.
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Best types of shredded cheese to use
When it comes to choosing the best type of shredded cheese to use for your broccoli, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect its melting capability. By shredding your own cheese, you can achieve a smoother and creamier texture.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for broccoli dishes, and the sharpness of the cheddar can enhance the flavour of the dish. A nice, sharp cheddar will add a bold, cheesy flavour to the sauce. However, it is important to avoid aged cheddar as older cheeses tend to have more difficulty melting smoothly. White cheddar is a great option, as mentioned by a user who commented on a recipe.
Additionally, Parmesan cheese is another favoured option. When using Parmesan, it is recommended to opt for the powdery grated variety, as shredded Parmesan may not blend into the texture of the dish as well. The powdery texture of grated Parmesan cheese can better meld with the broccoli and other ingredients.
Using a combination of cheeses can also be a great way to enhance the flavour of your broccoli dish. For example, you can use both cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, as suggested in a recipe. This allows you to benefit from the bold flavour of cheddar and the meltability of grated Parmesan.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to cook broccoli with shredded cheese. One way is to steam the broccoli in a pan with a little water, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top and season with salt and pepper. Another way is to roast the broccoli in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and roast until the cheese becomes golden brown.
Cheddar and parmesan are the most commonly used shredded cheeses to cook with broccoli. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself from a block of cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that may prevent it from melting smoothly.
Cooking broccoli with shredded cheese usually takes around 10 minutes. If you are steaming the broccoli, it should take around 3-6 minutes to cook, and then another minute or so to melt the cheese on top. If you are roasting the broccoli, it should take around 7 minutes to roast the broccoli, and then another 9 minutes to melt the cheese.
