Frederic Melton
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The crisp, fresh flavour of steamed broccoli pairs perfectly with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. While there are many cheeses that work well with broccoli, cheddar is a popular choice due to its sharp flavour and melting texture. For a quick and easy cheese sauce, a combination of butter, flour, milk, and cheddar is simple to make and versatile. For a more complex sauce, garlic, heavy cream, and a variety of other cheeses can be added.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Parmesan, American Cheese |
| Cheese preparation | Shredded, Sliced, Diced, Cubed |
| Cheese temperature | Room temperature |
| Sauce ingredients | Butter, Milk, Flour, Corn Starch, Heavy Cream, Garlic, Salt, Pepper |
| Sauce preparation | Whisked, Stirred, Heated |
| Broccoli preparation | Steamed, Boiled, Microwaved |
| Broccoli temperature | Hot |
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli and cheese: a match made in heaven
Broccoli and cheese are a match made in heaven, and it's a combination that's hard to beat. This classic pairing is a favourite for many, and it's easy to see why. The crisp, fresh broccoli provides the perfect canvas for a rich, creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a dish that's comforting and indulgent yet wholesome and nutritious.
When it comes to choosing the best cheese to melt on broccoli, a sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent option. Cheddar brings a bold, tangy flavour and melts beautifully into a smooth, creamy sauce. The sharpness of the cheddar perfectly complements the slight bitterness of the broccoli, creating a well-rounded and satisfying flavour profile.
To elevate this pairing even further, consider adding a few simple ingredients to your cheese sauce. Start by creating a béchamel base with butter, flour and milk, then gradually add your shredded cheddar cheese. For an extra creamy sauce, incorporate a touch of heavy cream or cream cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with adding garlic, enhancing the sauce with a savoury kick.
Preparing this dish is straightforward and can be done in a single pan. Simply steam or boil your broccoli until tender yet still slightly firm, and set it aside. In the same pan, create your cheese sauce, ensuring the milk is thickened before adding the cheese. Pour the sauce over the broccoli, and you're done! This dish can be served as a delicious side or enjoyed on its own.
Broccoli and cheese is a versatile combination that pairs well with various entrées. It goes exceptionally well with breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf. The addition of a creamy cheese sauce takes this simple vegetable to the next level, making it a crowd-pleaser, especially among kids. So, the next time you're looking for a quick, tasty, and nutritious dish, consider this dynamic duo of broccoli and cheese.
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How to make a basic cheese sauce
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination. A basic cheese sauce is easy to make and can be prepared in a few simple steps.
Firstly, prepare the broccoli. Wash the broccoli and cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Steam the broccoli in a pan for 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still firm. You can also steam it over boiling water for 2 to 6 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside in a bowl.
Next, make the cheese sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch. You can also add some heavy cream or butter for a richer sauce. For added flavour, sauté onions and garlic in butter before adding the milk mixture. Pour the milk mixture into the same pan used for steaming the broccoli and whisk over medium heat until it thickens.
Once the milk mixture has thickened, turn the heat to low and add your choice of cheese. A sharp cheddar will add a strong cheesy flavour, while Gruyère melts well, and Parmesan adds a salty kick. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Whisk the cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli and serve immediately.
Any leftover cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, do so over low heat and stir regularly to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming gluey.
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The best cheeses for melting
When it comes to melting cheese on broccoli, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Here are some of the best cheeses for melting:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for melting on broccoli. It has a sharp, distinct flavour that pairs well with the vegetable. When making a cheese sauce, using sharper cheddar will add more cheesy flavour to the dish. Cheddar melts relatively well and can be combined with other cheeses or ingredients to enhance its melting properties.
American Cheese
American cheese slices are a convenient option for melting on broccoli. The steam from hot broccoli is enough to melt these slices, making it a quick and fuss-free choice. Additionally, American cheese contains sodium citrate, which helps to create a smooth and saucy texture when combined with other cheeses or milk.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese, when combined with butter, heavy cream, and cheddar, creates a thick and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with broccoli. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese
While Parmesan is not ideal for melting on its own due to its hard texture, it can be used in combination with other cheeses to enhance their flavour. When using Parmesan, it is important to gradually add it to a warm base to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or clumpy.
General Tips for Melting Cheese
To ensure the best melting results, it is recommended to use cheese that is at room temperature before melting. Shredding or slicing the cheese at home, rather than using pre-shredded cheese, also improves meltability. Aged cheeses are best avoided as they may not melt as smoothly.
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How to melt cheese without it becoming grainy
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing that can be made into a delicious side dish in just 15 minutes. The best cheese to melt on broccoli is sharp cheddar, which adds a strong cheesy flavour. Parmesan is another good option, and can be used alongside cheddar for a more complex taste.
However, melting cheddar can be tricky, as it often becomes grainy. This is caused by high heat, which makes the proteins in the cheese denature and clump together. To prevent this, you should avoid boiling or simmering the cheese, and instead melt it at a low temperature. Turn the heat as low as it will go and slowly stir in the cheese a little at a time until it's smooth.
Freshly grated cheese is also less likely to become grainy, so it's best to grate your own cheese as finely as possible. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in starch to prevent clumping in the package, which can cause your sauce to become grainy.
If your cheese sauce does become grainy, you can fix it by adding an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or white wine. Let the sauce cool, then add a tablespoon of acid and whisk vigorously. Be careful not to add too much acid, as this can cause further clumping.
To make a basic cheese sauce for broccoli, start by steaming or boiling the broccoli until it's tender but still firm. Remove the broccoli from the pan and make the sauce in the same pan. Whisk together milk and corn starch, then place the pan on the heat and whisk until the mixture thickens. Turn the heat to low and slowly add the cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then serve over the broccoli.
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Quick and easy cheese sauce recipes
Cheese sauce is a perfect pairing with broccoli, and making a homemade cheese sauce is super easy. Here are some quick and easy cheese sauce recipes that you can make and serve with broccoli.
Basic cheese sauce recipe
This basic cheese sauce recipe is made with just four simple ingredients and can be prepared and served with broccoli in multiple ways. Start by melting butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour and continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes, until you can no longer smell the flour. Next, slowly add milk in splashes, whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the mixture is well-combined. You can also use a combination of Colby, Monterey Jack, and Sharp Cheddar cheese for a different flavour.
Milk and cornstarch cheese sauce
This is another simple cheese sauce recipe that can be made in a single pan. Whisk milk and cornstarch in a skillet over heat and whisk until the milk is thickened. Then, add cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. You can also add paprika for "a little extra something".
Butter and cheese sauce
This is a quick and easy cheese sauce recipe that involves steaming broccoli and then transferring it to a microwave-safe dish. Pour melted butter over the broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle cheese over the top and microwave on high until the cheese is melted, which should take about a minute.
Tips for making cheese sauce
- The sharper the cheddar cheese, the more cheesy flavour it will add to the recipe.
- The cheese will melt better if it is purchased as a block and shredded or sliced at home.
- The cheese should be at room temperature before melting to achieve a creamy consistency.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for melting on broccoli. The sharper the cheddar, the more flavour it will add. However, you can use any cheese you have on hand. Other cheeses that melt well include American cheese slices, parmesan, and cream cheese.
Here is a simple cheese sauce recipe:
- Melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan.
- Whisk in flour and continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk in splashes, whisking continuously.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly.
- Continue to whisk until the mixture is well-combined and thickened.
There are several ways to melt cheese on broccoli:
- Steam the broccoli and sprinkle grated cheese on top. Cover and let the steam melt the cheese.
- Microwave the broccoli, then sprinkle with cheese and microwave until melted.
- Make a cheese sauce and pour it over steamed broccoli.
