Randy Chandler
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be served as a side dish or incorporated into sandwiches, casseroles, and other recipes. When it comes to melting cheese on broccoli, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique flavour and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Parmesan, Fontina, American |
| Other ingredients | Milk, cornstarch, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, lemon zest, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper |
| Cooking methods | Steam, boil, microwave, stovetop, oven, blender |
| Time | 3-5 minutes for steaming broccoli, 20 minutes for broccoli melts |
| Equipment | Pan, microwave-safe casserole dish, skillet, stovetop or oven, blender |
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli and cheese sauce recipes
Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing that can be made in many ways. Here are some recipes to try, along with tips on how to make the perfect cheese sauce.
Quick Broccoli and Cheese
This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and uses a simple cheese sauce made with milk, cornstarch, cheddar, and Parmesan. You can also add carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower, or bacon bits to switch it up.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions:
- Steam fresh or frozen broccoli in a pan with a bit of water.
- Remove the broccoli from the pan and make the sauce in the same pan.
- Whisk milk and cornstarch together, then place on the heat and whisk until thickened.
- Add cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the sauce over the broccoli.
Simple Broccoli and Cheese
This recipe is great for beginner cooks and uses frozen broccoli florets, butter, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
- Frozen broccoli florets
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions:
- Place broccoli in a steamer over boiling water and cook until tender.
- Drain and transfer to a microwave-safe dish.
- Pour melted butter over the broccoli and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and microwave until the cheese is melted.
Broccoli Melts
For something a little different, try these broccoli-cheese melts with a layer of melted cheese and crispy bread. Fontina cheese is recommended for its mild, funky flavor and ability to melt easily.
Ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper
- Lemon zest
- Whole-wheat bread
- Shredded fontina cheese
Instructions:
- Combine broccoli and water in a skillet and cook until almost tender.
- Uncover and add oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Cook until fragrant and the water has evaporated.
- Stir in lemon zest and salt.
- Top bread slices with cheese, the broccoli mixture, more cheese, and then another slice of bread.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
This recipe uses American cheese, which is a great melting cheese due to its low melting point and the emulsifiers it contains. Onion powder is also added for flavor, and you can include a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for a spicier sauce.
Ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli spears or florets
- Shredded or cubed American cheese
- Milk
- Onion powder
- Salt and Pepper
- Cayenne or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam or boil the broccoli.
- In a saucepan, combine cheese, milk, and onion powder. Heat and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, along with cayenne or hot sauce if desired.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli or serve it separately.
Tips for Making Cheese Sauce:
- Look up how to make a béchamel sauce, then add your desired cheese to it.
- Use cornstarch and evaporated milk for a stable emulsion.
- Add a slice of processed American cheese to shredded cheese to help it melt better.
- Use a blender or food processor to blend the sauce until smooth and creamy.
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Melting cheese types
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from simple side dishes to hearty sandwiches. When it comes to melting cheese for broccoli, there are several types that work well and offer different flavours and textures. Here are some of the top choices:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular and versatile option that melts well and has a sharp, distinctive flavour. It is widely used in recipes such as broccoli and cheese casseroles or as a topping for steamed broccoli. Shredded or cubed cheddar cheese can be melted with a little milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
American Cheese
American cheese is known for its excellent melting properties due to the presence of emulsifiers that prevent milk proteins from separating during heating. It has a very low melting point, making it a common choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. American cheese can be shredded, cubed, or melted with a small amount of milk to create a thick and smooth cheese sauce for broccoli.
Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese is praised for its ability to melt easily and its mild, funky flavour. It is a favourite for grilled cheese sandwiches and pairs well with broccoli. Fontina adds a creamy texture and a unique taste to sandwiches, such as broccoli melts, or it can be melted as a topping for steamed or stir-fried broccoli.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese, known for its nutty and savoury flavour, can also be melted and added to broccoli dishes. It is often combined with other cheeses, such as cheddar, to enhance the flavour and texture of sauces or toppings. Parmesan adds a salty, umami note to broccoli recipes.
Other Cheeses
In addition to the above, there are several other types of cheese that can be melted and paired with broccoli. These include mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, and Gouda. Each of these cheeses has its own unique flavour and melting properties, allowing for a variety of taste experiences.
When melting cheese for broccoli, it is important to consider the cooking method and temperature to achieve the desired consistency and texture. Low heat and gentle melting techniques, such as steaming or using a double boiler, can help prevent the cheese from becoming tough or separating.
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Broccoli melt sandwich recipes
Broccoli Melt Sandwiches
Serves 2
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 2½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 4 slices crusty whole-wheat bread (about ⅓-inch thick), divided
- ¾ cup shredded fontina cheese, divided
Steps
- Combine broccoli and 3 tablespoons water in a large skillet. Cook, covered, over medium-high heat until the broccoli is almost tender, about 2 minutes.
- Uncover, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil, the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant, the broccoli is tender, and the water has evaporated, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and stir in lemon zest and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Place 2 bread slices flat on a work surface and top each with 3 tablespoons cheese and half of the broccoli mixture (about 1 cup).
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, then top with the remaining 2 bread slices, gently pressing to flatten.
- Heat the remaining oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwiches, cover, and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Tips
- You can use precut broccoli florets or a food processor to chop the broccoli.
- You can finely chop the broccoli stems and add them to the filling to cut down on food waste.
- If you don't have a skillet, you can use a sandwich press to make these sandwiches.
- You can use any type of cheese, bread, or vegetable that you prefer. For example, you can switch out the broccoli for broccolini or cauliflower, or use a different type of bread.
- You can store the broccoli melts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet with a little oil or butter.
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Broccoli melt toppings
Broccoli melts are a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are also highly customisable, so you can adapt them to your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for tasty toppings to add to your broccoli melt:
Cheeses
As the name suggests, cheese is a key ingredient in a broccoli melt. A good melting cheese is essential to creating that signature gooey, creamy texture. Here are some cheeses that work well:
- Fontina: This cheese is a favourite for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its mild, funky flavour and easy melting ability. It also offers a good amount of calcium and protein.
- American Cheese: American cheese is a processed cheese with a very low melting point, making it a super performer when it comes to melting. It contains emulsifiers that prevent the milk proteins from separating when heated, creating a thick and smooth sauce.
- Cheddar: Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for broccoli melts, adding a sharp, tangy flavour.
- Parmesan: Parmesan cheese can be added to your melt for a more complex, savoury flavour.
Bread
The type of bread you use for your broccoli melt can also make a big difference. Here are some options:
- Whole-wheat bread: Using whole-wheat bread instead of white bread adds fibre and antioxidants to your meal. It also crisps up nicely, providing a perfect contrast to the gooey filling.
- Crusty bread: A crusty loaf, such as a baguette or sourdough, can add texture and flavour to your melt.
Additional Toppings
In addition to cheese, you can include a variety of other toppings to enhance the flavour and texture of your broccoli melt:
- Spices and Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest can all add flavour and a bit of heat to your melt.
- Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to your melt, such as carrots, mushrooms, or cauliflower. This can help boost the nutritional value and add interest to your dish.
- Meat: For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked chicken, pork, or beef to your melt. This can help boost the protein content and create a more filling meal.
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Broccoli melt health benefits
Broccoli melts are a delicious and comforting meal, and they can also offer some nutritional benefits. While the healthiness of a broccoli melt will depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used, as well as the cooking methods, there are some general health benefits that can be expected from including this dish in your diet.
Firstly, broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable packed with fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. Making it a frequent part of your diet may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as improve bone and skin health. The fibre in broccoli aids digestion and also serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
When it comes to choosing a cheese to melt on top of broccoli, there are several options that pair well with this vegetable. Cheddar cheese, for example, is a popular choice that offers some bone-supporting calcium and muscle-building protein. Fontina cheese, known for its mild, funky flavour and easy melting capability, also provides calcium and protein, along with probiotics that contribute beneficial bacteria to the gut.
The bread used in a broccoli melt can also add to its nutritional value. For instance, whole-wheat bread provides fibre and antioxidants, both of which are beneficial for gut health. The fibre content can also help with satiety and blood sugar management.
In addition to the core ingredients, there are numerous add-ins and side dishes that can enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of broccoli melts. For instance, adding carrots, mushrooms, or cauliflower to the mix can boost the vegetable content of the dish. Using olive oil for roasting broccoli or as a bread spread is another healthy option, as olive oil is a good source of healthy fats.
While broccoli melts can be indulgent and comforting, they can also be a nutritious and well-rounded meal choice when made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use pre-made cheese soup, or melt a slice of American cheese in some milk and add other cheeses to it.
You need cheese, a liquid (milk, water or evaporated milk), and a thickening agent (flour, cornstarch or sodium citrate).
American cheese and fontina cheese are great melting cheeses. American cheese has a very low melting point and emulsifiers that create a smooth sauce. Fontina has a mild, funky flavour and melts easily.
Broccoli with cheese sauce is a great side dish. You can also make a broccoli melt sandwich with whole-wheat bread, or serve it with breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf.
Yes, but fresh is best. Frozen broccoli can become soft and mushy, so be careful not to overcook it.
