Andy Montoya
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination. It is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in several ways. A popular method is to make a cheese sauce, which can be made with cheddar, parmesan, or other cheeses, and serve it over steamed broccoli. This dish can be made in a single pan, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. The cheese sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Broccoli and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course and is a great way to get both kids and adults to eat their vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Gouda, Edam, Stilton |
| Texture | Sharp, medium, old, shredded, powdery, grated, pre-shredded |
| Add-ins | Butter, milk, olive oil, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, hot sauce, sodium citrate, bread crumbs |
| Method | Steam, boil, sauté, roast, air fry, bake |
| Time | 3-5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli and cheese sauce recipes
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing that can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own. The cheese sauce can be made with basic ingredients, and the broccoli can be steamed, boiled, or roasted. Here are some recipes and tips for making broccoli with cheese sauce:
Cheese Sauce Base:
The base of a cheese sauce is typically a roux, which is made by cooking butter and flour together. Milk is then added and simmered until thickened. This forms a béchamel or white sauce, which is the perfect base for a cheese sauce.
Cheese Selection:
The type of cheese you use can vary depending on your preference. Mild or sharp cheddars melt smoothly and add a nice contrast to the earthy and sweet flavours of broccoli. Monterey Jack is another option that melts well. For extra flavour, you can add a small amount of Parmesan cheese, but note that it doesn't melt as smoothly. Avoid using aged cheeses as they may affect the creaminess of the sauce.
Seasonings:
You can enhance the flavour of your cheese sauce with various seasonings. A touch of ground mustard or cayenne pepper can add a kick, while salt and pepper are essential for adjusting the taste. You can also try adding Cajun seasoning, fajita seasoning, or even crumbled bacon bits for extra flavour.
Preparation and Storage:
Cut the broccoli into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can steam, boil, or roast the broccoli until it is tender but still firm. As for the cheese sauce, it is best to use block cheese and shred or slice it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese. This will ensure a smoother and creamier sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and it is best to reheat the sauce over low heat, adding splashes of milk to restore its original consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
Broccoli with cheese sauce can be served as a side dish alongside breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf. It also pairs well with baked potatoes, homemade french fries, burgers, or even used as a dip for pretzels, breadsticks, or tortilla chips.
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The best cheeses for broccoli
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing, and a cheese sauce is a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies. The key to a good cheese sauce is choosing a cheese that melts easily, resulting in a smooth, creamy sauce.
Cheddar is a popular choice for broccoli cheese sauce, with many recipes recommending a sharp or extra sharp cheddar for a more intense flavour. The sharper the cheddar, the more flavour it will add to the dish. Medium cheddar is also a good option, and you can even mix the two for a more complex flavour.
Other cheeses that melt well and pair well with broccoli include gouda, gruyere, fontina, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses can be used in place of or in conjunction with cheddar to create a unique flavour profile.
For a more indulgent option, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk in your cheese sauce. This will result in a richer, more decadent sauce. Additionally, adding spices like ground mustard, cayenne, or garlic powder can enhance the flavour of the sauce and add depth.
When making a cheese sauce, it's important to cook the flour and butter roux for a couple of minutes before adding the milk to get rid of the raw flour taste. You should also continuously whisk the sauce while it cooks to prevent the milk from scorching or scalding.
Finally, when serving cheese sauce with broccoli, it's best to ladle the sauce over steamed or boiled broccoli rather than tossing the broccoli in the sauce, as the green colour from the broccoli can bleed into the sauce.
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How to cook broccoli for cheese sauce
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing that can be served as a side dish or with entrees such as breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf. The cheese sauce is easy to make and can be poured over steamed broccoli.
Preparing the broccoli
Start with fresh broccoli that has been rinsed, trimmed, cleaned, and cut into evenly-sized florets. You can steam the broccoli in a pan with a little water, simmering it for a few minutes until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, you can boil the broccoli in salted water for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can affect the colour and texture.
Making the cheese sauce
For the cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, or gouda. The sharper the cheddar, the more flavour it will add to the sauce. It is best to grate the cheese yourself for optimal melting.
Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Then, slowly whisk in the milk and stir until smooth. You can add garlic powder and pepper for extra flavour. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the cheese until it is fully incorporated and melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
Pour the cheese sauce over the steamed or boiled broccoli and serve immediately. You can also store the broccoli and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days and reheat them together when ready to serve.
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How to make a basic cheese sauce
A basic cheese sauce is an excellent addition to many dishes, from pasta to vegetables. It's also super simple to make from scratch.
To make a basic cheese sauce, you'll need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmigiano-Reggiano. You can also add spices such as nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or ground mustard for a kick of flavour.
Start by making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour cooked together. Cook the roux in a saucepan over medium heat until it forms a paste. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously, to form a béchamel sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil to thicken it. Then, turn off the heat and add the grated or shredded cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you're making cheesy broccoli, you can steam or boil the broccoli separately and then pour the cheese sauce over it. You can also add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and mix them together. For a smoother sauce, use younger cheeses that melt more easily, like mild or sharp cheddar. You can also add Parmesan for flavour, but be aware that it doesn't melt as smoothly, so use a smaller amount.
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How to adapt cheese sauce
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing, and making a homemade cheese sauce is easier than you might think. The most common type of cheese used for a broccoli cheese sauce is cheddar, but you can use whatever you have to hand. The sharper the cheddar, the more flavour it will add to the dish.
A basic cheese sauce is made by creating a roux—a mixture of butter and flour cooked together to form a paste. Milk is then whisked into the roux to create a béchamel or white sauce. Finally, cheese is added to the white sauce to create the cheese sauce. This type of sauce is called a Mornay sauce in French cuisine.
To adapt this basic cheese sauce, you can:
- Use different types of cheese: besides cheddar, other good melting varieties such as Gruyere or Gouda can be used.
- Change the dairy: use milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream to alter the richness of the sauce.
- Add different herbs, spices, and vegetables: for example, some fajita seasoning or garlic olive oil can be added to the basic cheese sauce.
When making a cheese sauce, it is important to grate your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese can cause the sauce to become grainy instead of smooth. Additionally, when adding the milk to the roux, it is important to do so gradually and whisk continuously to avoid lumps. For a white or light-coloured cheese sauce, cook the roux over low heat to prevent browning.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheeses that melt well, such as mild or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda, fontina, or gruyere, are good options to use on broccoli.
You will need butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick.
First, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Next, add flour and whisk until combined. Then, add milk and whisk until the sauce thickens. Finally, slowly add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
