Bushra Griffith
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be prepared in multiple ways. A simple cheese sauce can be made with milk, cornstarch, and cheddar cheese, with the option of adding parmesan and seasoning with salt and pepper. The cheese sauce can be made in the same pan as the broccoli, or separately and poured over steamed broccoli. The key to a smooth sauce is constant whisking while adding milk and cheese, and cooking over low heat. For a quicker method, American cheese slices can be added to steamed broccoli, and the residual steam will melt the cheese.
Characteristics and their values for melting cheese slices for broccoli:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Parmesan, American cheese slices |
| Other ingredients | Milk, cornstarch, butter, flour, heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper |
| Method | Steam broccoli, melt cheese in a saucepan on low heat, pour over broccoli |
| Time | 15-20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Using a microwave
To melt cheese slices for broccoli in the microwave, start by cutting the broccoli into spears with stalks about 1/2-inch wide. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving one edge slightly open to vent steam. Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and crisp.
After microwaving, drain the water and place the cheese slices on top of the broccoli. Cover the dish again and let the residual heat from the broccoli steam the cheese, melting it. You can also place the cheese slices on top of the broccoli and microwave in short bursts, checking frequently, until the cheese is melted to your desired consistency.
If you're making a cheese sauce, you can also use the microwave to melt the cheese. Start by shredding or dicing your cheese and setting it aside. In a separate bowl, heat milk or heavy cream in the microwave until it reaches a gentle boil. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as the contents will be hot.
Slowly add the hot milk or cream to the cheese, whisking continuously, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. You can also add butter, flour, or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and enhance its flavour and texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over your steamed broccoli and enjoy!
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Stovetop method
To make broccoli with cheese on a stovetop, you will need milk, cornstarch, butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. You can use any type of shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar cheese, Havarti, or Monterey Jack. Fresh or frozen broccoli florets will work for this recipe.
Start by filling a large pot three-quarters full with water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring this to a boil and then add the broccoli florets. Boil the broccoli until it is crisp-tender, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Drain the broccoli and place it in a serving bowl.
Now, make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, whisk together milk and cornstarch. Place the saucepan on medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture just comes to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and add the butter, stirring until it is melted.
Next, gradually add the shredded cheese to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, pour the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli and serve warm. You can also store the broccoli and cheese separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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Oven-baked
To make oven-baked broccoli with cheese, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets and place them in a steaming basket or colander set over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-8 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
While the broccoli is steaming, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in an equal amount of flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour taste is gone. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
Remove the sauce from the heat and gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Continue whisking until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and well-combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of milk to thin it out.
Place the steamed broccoli in an oven-safe dish and pour the cheese sauce over it, stirring gently to coat the florets evenly. You can also simply pour the sauce on top of the broccoli without stirring if you prefer. Sprinkle some more shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy dish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your oven-baked broccoli with a delicious, creamy cheese sauce!
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Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your broccoli, there are several options to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect cheese for a delicious and creamy dish:
Start by considering the type of cheese you prefer. Cheddar is a popular choice for broccoli dishes, as it has a sharp and distinct flavour that pairs well with the vegetable. You can use sharp, medium, or mild cheddar, depending on your taste preferences and what you have available. The sharper the cheddar, the more pronounced the cheesy flavour will be in your dish.
Other types of cheese that work well with broccoli include American cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan. American cheese, with its sodium citrate content, can act as a great melting agent and help create a smooth and creamy sauce. Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to your sauce, while Parmesan offers a nutty and savoury flavour.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even create a multi-cheese combination. For example, you could try a blend of cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan for a complex and indulgent flavour profile. Alternatively, a simple blend of cheddar and American cheese slices can be a quick and tasty option.
When selecting your cheese, it's important to consider the quality and freshness of the product. Look for cheese that is freshly shredded or diced, as it will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. If you're using cheese slices, bring them to room temperature before adding them to your sauce to ensure even melting.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and find the right balance of cheeses that suits your taste. You can adjust the quantities of each cheese in your sauce until you find the perfect combination that satisfies your cheese cravings and complements the broccoli perfectly.
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Thickening the sauce
Start by preparing your sauce base. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour and continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears. This step is important as it cooks the flour and prevents your sauce from tasting like raw dough.
Slowly add milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously. Adding milk in small splashes ensures a smooth and lump-free sauce. Keep whisking as you gradually increase the amount of milk you add. This process will help create a creamy and well-combined sauce.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step helps to activate the thickening properties of the flour and milk mixture. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. This step prevents the sauce from becoming too thick too quickly and allows you to control the thickness more easily.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Gradually sprinkle shredded or diced cheese into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Adding the cheese gradually and whisking constantly helps to ensure a smooth and well-combined sauce. Continue whisking until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is homogeneous.
At this point, the sauce may still appear thinner than expected. However, it will continue to thicken as it stands and cools slightly. If you're using a sharper cheddar cheese, you may find that it adds more cheesy flavour to your sauce. Adjust the amount of cheese to your taste preferences.
Finally, once your sauce has reached your desired level of thickness, remove it from the heat. Your cheese sauce is now ready to be served over steamed or boiled broccoli. Enjoy the delicious combination of cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli!
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Frequently asked questions
The quickest way is to steam or microwave the broccoli, then place cheese slices on top and cover it. The steam from the hot broccoli melts the cheese.
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use any cheese you have to hand. The sharper the cheddar, the more flavour it will add.
There are many ways to make a cheese sauce. One simple recipe involves melting butter, whisking in flour, then slowly adding milk. Once it boils, reduce to a simmer and gradually add grated cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Place the cheese slices on top of the broccoli and cover it. The steam from the hot broccoli will melt the cheese. Alternatively, you can melt the cheese in a saucepan and pour it over the broccoli.
