Andy Montoya
Broccoli and cheddar cheese is a match made in heaven. Whether you're making a sandwich, a soup, or a casserole, melting cheddar cheese over broccoli is a quick and easy way to elevate this dish. There are several ways to melt cheddar cheese over broccoli, including using a microwave, a stovetop, or an oven. The key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture is to use freshly grated cheese and to avoid letting the milk boil if you're making a cheese sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can transform boring old broccoli into a delicious and comforting meal or side dish.
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What You'll Learn
Melting cheddar cheese in a microwave
Now, you are ready to start melting! Place the shredded cheddar in a microwave-safe bowl, making sure the bowl is large enough to hold all the cheese with some space to spare. Avoid using a plate, as the melted cheese will run off. Set your microwave to the lowest heat setting and heat the cheese in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Continue this process until the cheese is completely melted, which should only take a few minutes.
If you are melting the cheese to pour over broccoli, you can follow a simple recipe: first, cut your broccoli into spears with 1/2-inch-wide stalks and place them in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, venting one edge slightly to allow steam to escape. Microwave the broccoli on high for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is tender. In a separate bowl, heat your desired amount of shredded cheddar in the microwave, using the method described above, until it is melted. You can also add butter, flour, milk, or other ingredients to make a cheese sauce. Then, pour the melted cheese or cheese sauce over the cooked broccoli and enjoy!
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, or even make a vegan cheese sauce by substituting dairy-free butter, soy milk, and vegan cheese. You can also add spices and condiments like chili pepper flakes, cayenne, mustard, or nutmeg to give your sauce a kick. The possibilities are endless!
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Making a cheddar cheese sauce
This is a simple guide to making a delicious, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This sauce is perfect for broccoli, but it can also be used for other steamed vegetables, hot baked potatoes, pasta, rice, or even nachos!
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour (gluten-free or AP flour)
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
Method
Start by melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter you use is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is to use equal parts butter and flour. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. This will form a paste, known as a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Next, slowly whisk in the milk to create a smooth sauce. It's important to add the milk slowly to avoid forming lumps. Season with salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. This should take around 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as this can affect the texture and cause it to become grainy. Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and sprinkle in the cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Always use freshly grated cheese when making a cheese sauce. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents and starch, which can affect how smoothly it melts.
- For a richer sauce, you can try adding some cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
- If you're making a large batch, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking until smooth.
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Using freshly grated cheddar cheese
Freshly grated cheddar cheese is the best option when melting cheese for broccoli as pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as smoothly. This is because pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch to prevent it from sticking/clumping in the bag. Freshly grated cheese also tastes better and melts more evenly.
To melt freshly grated cheddar cheese for broccoli, you can make a simple cheese sauce. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add gluten-free flour (or AP flour if not GF) and whisk for one minute. Then, slowly whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Continue cooking and stirring slowly but constantly until the milk has thickened. Be careful to adjust the heat so that the milk never boils—it should always be at a gentle simmer. Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the cheese. Stir until the sauce is melted and smooth, then taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Another option is to steam or microwave the broccoli, then top it with cheese and let the residual heat melt the cheese. For steaming, place the broccoli in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, 2 to 6 minutes. Drain and transfer to a microwave-safe casserole dish. For microwaving, simply place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and cook until tender. Top with cheese and cover. The steam from the hot broccoli will melt the cheese.
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Adding other ingredients to cheddar cheese sauce
There are several ways to make a cheddar cheese sauce for broccoli, and you can add a variety of other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for adding other ingredients to your cheddar cheese sauce:
Butter and Cream
For a rich and creamy sauce, start by melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. You can add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream and a dash of milk to create a smooth and creamy base for your cheese sauce. This will also help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick and clumpy.
Flour
Adding a small amount of flour to the butter and whisking it together before adding the milk will create a roux, which will help to thicken your sauce and give it a smoother consistency. Gluten-free flour can also be used if preferred.
Seasonings
Salt and pepper are essential for adding flavor to your cheese sauce. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs such as chives. A pinch of turmeric can also be added to enhance the color and give it a subtle earthy flavor.
Other Cheeses
While cheddar cheese is the star of the show, you can also add other cheeses to enhance the flavor and meltability of the sauce. Some options include cream cheese, provolone, or American cheese slices. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melting results.
Vegetables
If you want to include more vegetables, steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets can be added directly to the sauce. You can also serve the cheese sauce over other steamed or roasted vegetables.
Meat
For a heartier dish, you can add cooked chicken or salmon patties to your cheddar cheese sauce. This can be a great way to incorporate more protein into your meal.
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Seasoning the broccoli
Seasoning broccoli is a simple process and can be done in a variety of ways. Firstly, you can steam the broccoli and then melt butter over it, seasoning with salt and pepper before adding cheese. This is a quick and easy method that takes just a few minutes.
Another option is to season the broccoli with fresh herbs and spices before adding the cheese. For example, you could try fresh chives, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. This will give the dish a nice kick and a more complex flavour. You could also try adding some cream cheese and heavy cream to make a thicker, creamier sauce. This method works well with steamed broccoli, adding a luxurious texture.
If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavour combination. For example, adding some fresh or dried basil, oregano, or thyme can give the dish a Mediterranean twist. Alternatively, you could try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or chilli powder for an extra kick.
Finally, don't be afraid to play around with different types of cheese. While cheddar is a classic option, you could also try mixing in some provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for a unique flavour profile.
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Frequently asked questions
The quickest way to melt cheddar cheese for broccoli is to steam the broccoli, place it in a microwave-safe dish, season with salt and pepper, and then sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Microwave on high for about a minute until the cheese is melted.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for one minute. Slowly whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring constantly until the milk has thickened (3-5 minutes). Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce is melted and smooth.
Freshly grated cheddar cheese will always melt better than pre-shredded cheese, which is coated in starch to prevent clumping and does not melt as smoothly.
