The Best Cheeses To Pair With Broccoli

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that is easy to make and is a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies. While cheddar cheese is a popular choice, you can also use other cheeses like Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of your favourites. The key is to choose a cheese that melts easily so you get a perfect, creamy sauce. In addition to cheese, a good cheese sauce typically includes butter, flour, and milk. You can also add spices like garlic powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, or black pepper to give it a kick.

Cheddar cheese sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheddar Cheese
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• Garlic Powder (optional)

Method:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add flour and whisk until combined and golden.
• Whisk in milk gradually, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
• Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• For an extra kick of flavour, add a pinch of cayenne pepper and/or garlic powder.
• Serve immediately over steamed broccoli.

Tips:

• For the smoothest sauce, use block cheddar and shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect the texture of the sauce.
• Avoid using aged or hard cheeses like Parmesan as they do not melt as well.
• Ensure the cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce.
• Add the cheese gradually to a warm base to avoid the fat from the cheese separating too quickly, which will result in a grainy texture.
• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding splashes of milk to restore the original consistency.

Parmesan cheese

Grated Parmesan Cheese

When using Parmesan cheese in your broccoli dish, opt for the grated variety. The powdery texture of grated Parmesan cheese blends seamlessly into the dish, creating a smooth and creamy texture. This type of Parmesan cheese is ideal for recipes like broccoli and cheese, where you want the cheese to meld harmoniously with the other ingredients.

Enhancing Flavour

Quick and Easy Side Dish

Broccoli and Parmesan cheese is a quick and easy side dish that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. Simply sauté the broccoli in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes, add grated Parmesan cheese, a small amount of water, and cover to cook for an additional minute. This method both steams the broccoli and melts the cheese, resulting in a gooey, warm, and tender dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Healthy Option

Adding Parmesan cheese to broccoli can be a healthier alternative to smothering it in a cheese sauce. The cheese adds a moderate amount of calories and fat, with approximately 68 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving. This makes it a more nutritious option compared to many cheese sauces that tend to be higher in calories and fat.

Versatility

The versatility of Parmesan cheese shines when paired with broccoli. You can experiment with different combinations to create a variety of dishes. For instance, you can steam or roast broccoli and then sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese, or you can create a more indulgent dish by making a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce to pour over the broccoli.

Storage and Reheating

When storing leftovers, separate the broccoli from the cheese sauce. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the broccoli and cheese in the oven or microwave until heated through, being careful not to overheat, as the cheese can become rubbery.

In conclusion, Parmesan cheese and broccoli is a classic combination that can be prepared in a variety of ways, from simple steamed broccoli with grated Parmesan to more indulgent cheese sauces. This versatile pairing offers a range of flavours and textures that can be tailored to suit your preferences, making it a delicious and nutritious option for all ages.

Grated vs shredded cheese

When it comes to cheese, there are many ways to prepare and consume it. Two common methods are grating and shredding. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the differences between grated and shredded cheese, and provide insights into which type of cheese is better suited for certain dishes, specifically broccoli-based ones.

Differences Between Grated and Shredded Cheese

The most noticeable difference between grated and shredded cheese is the shape. Shredded cheese comes in the form of thick strips, which can vary in thickness depending on the manufacturing process. Grated cheese, on the other hand, is much finer and resembles a powder-like consistency. When it comes to pre-packaged options, shredded cheese is more commonly found in grocery stores, with grated cheese being more prevalent in the UK.

Another distinction is the presence of anti-caking agents. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with these agents, such as cornstarch, to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the package. This additional ingredient can impact the melting properties of the cheese, sometimes resulting in a longer melting time. In contrast, grated cheese is usually done at home and does not contain anti-caking agents, although it requires more manual effort to produce.

When to Use Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is ideal when you want thicker layers of cheese, whether it's for topping or incorporating into a dish. For example, shredded cheese works well for sandwiches, quesadillas, pizzas, casseroles, and baked pasta dishes. The thicker shreds provide a heartier texture and a more prominent cheese flavour.

When to Use Grated Cheese

Grated cheese, with its finer texture, is better suited as a garnish or when you want to easily melt it into a dish for a subtle cheese flavour. Grated cheese is commonly used on pasta, scrambled eggs, salads, and soups. It blends seamlessly into these dishes, adding a hint of cheesiness without overwhelming the other flavours.

Cheese Suggestions for Broccoli

Now, let's apply these insights to the context of broccoli. When preparing broccoli with cheese, consider the type of dish you want to create. If you're making a broccoli and cheese casserole, au gratin, or a baked dish where you want the cheese to be a prominent component, shredded cheese would be a better option. The thicker shreds will provide a noticeable cheese presence in the dish.

On the other hand, if you're looking to make a lighter broccoli side dish with a subtle cheese flavour, grated cheese would be more appropriate. For example, if you're steaming or sautéing broccoli and want to add a light cheese topping, grated cheese will melt more easily and provide a delicate cheese essence.

Additionally, when choosing the type of cheese to pair with broccoli, consider mild or sharp cheddars, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses that melt well. These varieties will create a smooth and creamy sauce that complements the broccoli perfectly.

How to make a basic cheese sauce

A basic cheese sauce is a great recipe to have in your arsenal. It's versatile, easy to make, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here's a simple recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (any percentage will work, but the higher the fat content, the smoother and creamier your sauce will be)
• Cheese (cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mix of cheeses)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter used can vary, but a good starting point is 2 tablespoons for a larger batch or 1 tablespoon for a smaller batch.
• Add flour to the melted butter and whisk until you form a paste, also known as a roux. The general rule is to use equal parts butter and flour by volume.
• Slowly add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to remove any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
• Turn off the heat and add the cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted. The amount of cheese can vary depending on your preference, but a good range is 1 to 2 cups for a stronger cheese flavor.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some spice.
• Serve immediately. The sauce can be poured over steamed broccoli or used as a dip.

Tips:

• For a smoother sauce, use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking additives that can make the sauce lumpy.
• Allow the shredded cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping.
• Remove the sauce from the heat before adding the cheese to avoid overheating and clumping.
• Cook the roux until it turns lightly golden to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• If your sauce tastes floury, it may not have been cooked long enough before adding the milk.
• Cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Enjoy your homemade cheese sauce!

Reheating tips

If you have leftover cheese sauce, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating, it's best to do so in a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Whisk the sauce as it heats up and add a small amount of milk to thin it out and add some extra creaminess. You can also reheat it in the microwave until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat it, as the cheese can become rubbery.

It's worth noting that cheese sauce tends to coagulate as it cools, so it might not have the same smooth texture as when it was first made.

If you're reheating broccoli with cheese sauce, you can use the oven or microwave. Again, be careful not to overheat, as this can affect the texture of the cheese.

For best results, it's recommended to reheat the cheese sauce and broccoli separately, as this will ensure the cheese sauce doesn't become too thick or grainy.

Frequently asked questions