Andy Montoya
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be served as a side dish or main course. The cheese is usually melted into a sauce and poured over the broccoli, or the broccoli can be steamed, boiled, or fried and then topped with cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice of cheese for this dish, but other cheeses such as Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of favourites can also be used. The dish can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli and can be served on its own or with potatoes, in soups, stews, or stir-fries.
Characteristics and their values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Parmesan, American, Mozzarella |
| Broccoli type | Fresh, frozen |
| Dish type | Side dish |
| Preparation time | 10-15 minutes |
| Nutrition | 68 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving |
| Add-ins | Breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, meatloaf, cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms |
| Serving suggestions | Baked potato, bread |
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What You'll Learn
Making a homemade cheese sauce
Cheese sauce is a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables. It's a simple and quick recipe that goes well with broccoli, cauliflower, and baked potatoes. The sauce is creamy, delicious, and can be made in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or a combination of your choice)
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Start by melting butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add in flour and whisk to combine. You can also add ground mustard for added flavour.
- Allow the mixture to cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking often, until the raw flour taste is cooked out. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream, depending on your preference for texture and richness.
- Continue whisking until the mixture thickens. You can add garlic powder and pepper at this stage for extra flavour.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add in the grated cheese, whisking constantly. The cheese should be at room temperature and freshly shredded for the best melting results. Avoid aged cheeses like Parmesan, as they may not melt as smoothly.
- Keep whisking until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and taste the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over steamed or boiled broccoli, and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
- You can use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, to enhance the flavour of the sauce.
- For a smoother sauce, use younger cheeses that melt better, like mild or sharp cheddar.
- If using Parmesan, grate it on the smallest holes of a grater to ensure it melts smoothly.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat it over low heat, whisking often, before pouring it over cooked broccoli.
- You can also sprinkle grated cheese over steamed broccoli and add a small amount of water to create a simple cheese sauce directly in the skillet.
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Using frozen broccoli
Frozen broccoli can be used instead of fresh broccoli in most recipes, including those that call for a cheese sauce. However, it's worth noting that the texture of frozen broccoli will be softer and less appealing than fresh broccoli. To compensate for this, reduce the cook time by about half.
One option for preparing frozen broccoli with cheese is to make a simple cheese sauce. Start by steaming the broccoli in a pan with a small amount of water. You can also add other vegetables, such as cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms, if desired. For a smoother sauce, use cheeses that melt well, such as mild or sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. To make the sauce, whisk together milk and cornstarch in a bowl, then pour it into a skillet and whisk over medium heat until it thickens. Turn the heat to low and add the grated cheese of your choice, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then serve over the steamed broccoli.
Another option is to oven-roast the frozen broccoli. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, such as 450°F. Combine the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and toss to coat. Spread the broccoli on a hot baking sheet and roast until tender and beginning to brown, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
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Cheese sauce ingredients
Cheese sauce is a popular addition to broccoli, and there are a variety of recipes to choose from. The type of cheese used is a matter of personal preference, but some cheeses are better suited to a cheese sauce than others. For example, mild or sharp cheddars, Monterey Jack, and American cheese are good melting cheeses. Parmesan is also a popular choice, though it doesn't melt as smoothly.
Basic Cheese Sauce
A basic cheese sauce for broccoli can be made with just three ingredients: cheese, milk, and cornstarch. To make this sauce, start by whisking together the milk and cornstarch in a bowl. Then, pour the mixture into a skillet and whisk over medium heat until it thickens. Turn the heat down to low and add the cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and serve over steamed broccoli.
White Cheese Sauce
A white cheese sauce, or béchamel, is another simple option. To make this sauce, start by creating a roux by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour. Cook the roux for about a minute, then slowly whisk in milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add your cheese and whisk until melted. Season with salt and pepper, and serve over steamed broccoli.
Additional Ingredients
There are many ways to customize a basic cheese sauce to your taste preferences. Some popular additions include:
- Hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Ground mustard
- Onion powder
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Dried thyme
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Reheating leftovers
When it comes to reheating leftovers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your broccoli with cheese is just as delicious the second time around.
Firstly, it's important to store your leftovers properly. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This ensures that your broccoli and cheese sauce stay fresh and flavourful.
When you're ready to reheat, start by taking the desired portion out of the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature slightly. This helps ensure even reheating. You can reheat your broccoli and cheese sauce together in the same container or separately, depending on your preference.
If you're using a microwave, it's best to reheat in short intervals to avoid overcooking. Start with 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until your desired temperature is reached. This gradual approach helps prevent the cheese sauce from breaking or separating, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
For those using an oven or stovetop, opt for low heat settings and slow reheating. Place your leftovers in an oven-safe dish or pan and cover with foil to retain moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
If your cheese sauce becomes too thick during reheating, you can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of milk or water. Stir it through until you achieve your desired texture.
Additionally, you can freshen up your broccoli with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the flavour and make it taste like new.
Remember, when reheating any food, it's important to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses. Always use a food thermometer to check, especially when reheating dishes with cheese, as it can melt at lower temperatures.
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Serving suggestions
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious dish:
Cheesy Broccoli:
This is a quick and easy option where steamed broccoli is topped with a creamy cheese sauce. You can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan, or American cheese. Simply cook the broccoli, make a basic white sauce with cheese and milk, and pour it over the broccoli. This can be served as a side dish with breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf.
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole:
For a heartier option, you can make a broccoli cheese casserole. This typically involves combining cooked broccoli with a sauce made of mayonnaise, mustard, spices, and grated cheddar. You can also add protein such as shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil until browned and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a potluck or family gathering.
Broccoli and Cheese with Breadcrumbs:
For a crunchy texture, try adding breadcrumbs to your broccoli and cheese. Simply steam or boil the broccoli, make a basic cheese sauce, and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before serving. This method adds a crispy element to the dish.
Broccoli and Cheese with Additional Spices:
If you like your food with a kick, consider adding spices to your broccoli and cheese. Onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and ground mustard are all great options to enhance the flavour of the dish. Simply add these spices to your cheese sauce and pour over steamed broccoli.
Broccoli and Cheese with Potatoes:
For a comforting and filling meal, serve your broccoli and cheese over baked potatoes. You can make a simple cheese sauce with milk and cheddar or American cheese, and pour it over steamed broccoli and potatoes. This is a hearty and satisfying option.
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Frequently asked questions
To make a cheese sauce for broccoli, start by melting butter over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking often to avoid browning. Gradually pour in milk while continuing to whisk. After the mixture has thickened, take the pan off the heat and whisk in half of the cheese with seasonings. Add the remainder of the cheese, continuing to stir until smooth. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Parmesan.
The sharper the cheddar cheese, the more flavour it will add to the recipe. It is recommended to use hand-shredded cheddar cheese as it melts more easily, but pre-shredded cheddar also works.
Broccoli with cheese sauce can be made in as little as 10 minutes. However, the cheese sauce can take some time to prepare, especially if you are making it from scratch.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but the texture will be softer and less appealing than fresh broccoli. Reduce the cook time by about half when using frozen broccoli.
Broccoli and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It goes well with breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf. You can also serve it over a baked potato.
