Creative Pairings For Broccoli Cheese Dishes: Delicious Ideas

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be served in many ways. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a more substantial meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. One popular option is to make a cheese sauce to pour over steamed or boiled broccoli. This can be done using a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or American cheese, and can be served with baked potatoes, French fries, or other vegetables. For those looking for a heartier meal, broccoli and cheese can be added to dishes like mac and cheese, quiche, or baked potatoes.

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 adapted to suit your taste. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cheese sauce that you can serve with broccoli or any other vegetable of your choice.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your choice)
• Salt (optional)
• Garlic Powder (optional)
• Black Pepper (optional)

Method:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat: Start by melting a couple of tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
• Add flour and whisk: Once the butter is melted, add an equal amount of flour and whisk it together until you form a paste, also known as a roux. This will thicken your sauce. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Slowly add milk and whisk: Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The amount of milk can vary depending on how thick you want your sauce to be. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
• Add cheese and stir: Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to avoid overheating and whisking until the cheese is fully melted. You can use shredded or grated cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt better and give a stronger flavour.
• Season to taste: Add salt, garlic powder, black pepper, or any other seasonings you like to enhance the flavour of your cheese sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper or ground mustard can add a nice kick.
• Serve immediately: Cheese sauce is best served immediately, as it tends to coagulate as it cools. Pour it over steamed broccoli or any other vegetables, baked potatoes, nachos, or fries. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking additives that can make your sauce lumpy.
• Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the hot sauce to avoid clumping.
• Cook the roux until it turns lightly golden to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Store leftover cheese sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How to make a classic cheese sauce

A classic cheese sauce is a versatile, kid-friendly sauce that goes great with anything from broccoli to bread. It is a simple and easy-to-make recipe that uses basic ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a classic cheese sauce:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, etc.)
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings (garlic powder, black pepper, ground mustard, etc.)

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter can vary depending on the desired richness of the sauce, but typically 2-3 tablespoons are used.
• Add flour to the melted butter and whisk to form a roux. The general ratio is equal parts butter and flour. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Slowly whisk in the milk. The amount of milk can be adjusted to control the thickness of the sauce. For a richer sauce, use whole milk or heavy cream. For a lighter option, skim milk or a combination of chicken broth and milk can be used.
• Add your desired seasonings to the sauce base. This can include salt, garlic powder, black pepper, ground mustard, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Cook the sauce base over medium heat until it thickens. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the milk from scalding. A good way to tell if the sauce is ready is by sticking a spoon into it; once it coats the back of a spoon, it's ready for the cheese.
• Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheese. The amount of cheese can vary depending on the desired cheesiness of the sauce, but typically 1-2 cups are used. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and combined.
• Serve the cheese sauce immediately. It is best enjoyed right away as it tends to coagulate as it cools. If reheating, add a small amount of milk to thin out the sauce and heat over medium heat in a saucepan.

Classic cheese sauce is a great way to make vegetables more appealing, especially for kids. It can be served with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, or any other vegetable of your choice. It can also be used as a dip for pretzel bites, nachos, or even drizzled over bread.

What cheeses work best

When it comes to broccoli cheese, the cheese you use can make all the difference. Broccoli cheese is a classic pairing that is often used to introduce picky toddlers to broccoli. The best cheeses for broccoli are those that melt well and create a smooth sauce. The most popular cheeses used for broccoli cheese are cheddar, parmesan, and American cheese.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for broccoli cheese. It melts well and has a sharp flavour that pairs nicely with the earthy and sweet flavours of broccoli. Mild or sharp cheddar works well, and it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is another popular choice for broccoli cheese. It has a nuanced flavour and doesn't melt as smoothly as cheddar, but a small amount won't affect the texture of the sauce.

American Cheese

American cheese is a good option for broccoli cheese as it melts very well. It is a processed cheese with a low melting point, so it quickly forms a thick, smooth sauce.

Other Cheeses

Other cheeses that melt well and can be used for broccoli cheese include Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, and Gouda.

Tips for the Best Cheese Sauce

• Use full-fat cheese for a creamier sauce.
• Grate the cheese yourself for optimal melting.
• Use a good quality block of cheese instead of pre-shredded bagged cheese to avoid a grainy texture.
• Choose a cheese that isn't too aged, as these don't melt as well.
• Add a little milk to thin out the sauce if needed.

How to prepare the broccoli

Sauté the Broccoli

Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat it on medium-high heat. Place the chopped broccoli in the skillet and sprinkle with salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli starts to brown, stirring occasionally.

Steam the Broccoli

You can also steam the broccoli instead of sautéing it. Place the broccoli in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, which should take around 2 to 6 minutes.

Boil the Broccoli

Alternatively, you can boil the broccoli. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Drain the water thoroughly.

Cut the Broccoli into Evenly Sized Pieces

If you are using fresh broccoli, make sure to cut or break the broccoli into evenly sized pieces or sections. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly. You can also cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, leaving a good amount of the stem for a nice shape.

Season the Broccoli

After cooking the broccoli, you can season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to add some heat.

Prepare the Broccoli Ahead of Time

If you want to save time, you can prepare the broccoli ahead of time. Cut the broccoli into your desired size and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

What to serve with broccoli cheese

Broccoli and cheese is a delicious and comforting side dish. If you're looking for ideas on what to serve with it, here are some suggestions to round out your meal:

Baked Potato

If you're short on time or don't want to cook anything else, serving cheesy broccoli over a baked potato is a quick and easy option for a satisfying meal.

BBQ Chicken

As cheesy broccoli is a heavier side dish, pairing it with something that doesn't have much dairy can balance out the meal. Oven-baked BBQ chicken is a great option that doesn't require a lot of dairy and complements the flavours of the broccoli and cheese nicely.

Kale, Farro & Chickpea Salad

A crunchy and fresh salad with kale, farro, and chickpeas can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the broccoli and cheese. This option is especially good if you're looking for a lighter dish to accompany your cheesy broccoli.

Pan-Seared Pork Chops

For a protein-packed option, try serving your broccoli and cheese with pan-seared pork chops. The savoury flavours of the pork chops will go well with the creamy and cheesy broccoli.

French Onion Rice Pilaf

If you're looking for a carbohydrate option to round out your meal, French onion rice pilaf is a tasty choice. The onion flavour in the rice can add a nice depth of flavour to your meal and complement the cheese in the broccoli.

Other Ideas

• Baked chicken tenders
• Easy pan-seared pork chops
• Roasted potatoes
• French fries
• Cauliflower
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

These suggestions should give you a good starting point for creating a well-rounded and delicious meal with broccoli and cheese as the star side dish.

Frequently asked questions