Best Cheeses To Pair With Broccoli: A Guide

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The right cheese can transform this vegetable into a delicious, comforting, and healthy side dish. But what kind of cheese works best? Cheddar is a popular choice, and for good reason—its sharp flavour adds a nice contrast to the earthy and sweet notes of broccoli. Mild or sharp cheddars melt well and produce a smooth sauce. Other cheeses that melt smoothly include Monterey Jack, gouda, and gruyere. For added flavour, you can also use Parmesan, although it doesn't melt as smoothly. To make a cheese sauce, you can use a combination of butter, flour, and milk as a base, and then add your cheese of choice. This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Broccoli and cheese recipes for beginners

Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing and a great way to get your family to eat their veggies. Here are some simple and delicious recipes to get you started.

Quick Broccoli and Cheese

This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and is a great side dish to serve with breaded pork chops, baked chicken breast, or meatloaf. You can also add some carrots or mushrooms to the broccoli to use up any fresh veggies you have.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Milk
• Cornstarch
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Rinse the broccoli and trim the stems towards the floret.
• Steam the broccoli in a pan with a bit of water for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the broccoli and make the cheese sauce in the same pan.
• Whisk together milk and cornstarch, then place the skillet on the heat and whisk until thickened.
• Add the cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli.

Cheesy Broccoli

This recipe is another quick and easy option that is perfect for picky eaters. You can also add other veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or green beans to the broccoli for a fun and colourful dish.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Butter
• Garlic
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook until fork-tender.
• Drain the broccoli and set aside.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic.
• Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
• Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
• Add the cooked broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Serve and enjoy!

Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

This recipe is a great option if you're looking for a heartier dish that can be served as a weeknight dinner or a side for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Ingredients:

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Onion
• Frozen broccoli florets
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Whisk together the soup, mayonnaise, egg, and onion in a medium mixing bowl.
• Place the frozen broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl and add the soup mixture. Stir well to coat.
• Sprinkle with cheese and mix well.
• Spread the mixture into a prepared baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted and the casserole is golden brown, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Quick and Simple Broccoli and Cheese

This recipe is perfect for beginners as it only requires a few simple steps and ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Frozen broccoli florets
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

• Steam the broccoli over boiling water for 2-6 minutes, until tender but still firm.
• 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, about 1 minute.

How to make a basic cheese sauce

A basic cheese sauce is a versatile recipe that can be used to top a variety of dishes, from vegetables to nachos and baked potatoes. It is also a great way to get children to eat their vegetables. Here is a simple recipe for a basic cheese sauce that can be made in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your choice)
• Salt (optional)
• Pepper (optional)

Utensils:

• Medium-sized saucepan
• Whisk

Method:

• Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk to combine. Cook this mixture, known as a roux, for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes bubbly.
• Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheese to the pan, stirring until it is fully melted and combined.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Your basic cheese sauce is now ready to be served! It is best enjoyed immediately, as it tends to coagulate when cooled. However, if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations:

You can also add other ingredients to your basic cheese sauce to change it up:

• Spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or ground mustard can add a kick of flavour.
• For a smoother sauce, use mild or sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese.
• If you prefer a spicier cheese sauce, try using pepper jack cheese or adding hot sauce.
• You can also mix different types of cheese, such as Swiss and Gruyère, for a creamy dip, or half cheddar and half parmesan for a homemade macaroni and cheese.

So, get creative and enjoy your cheesy creations!

The best melting cheeses for broccoli

Cheese and broccoli is a classic pairing, and for good reason! The right cheese can transform this everyday vegetable into a glorious side dish. Here are some of the best melting cheeses to use for a smooth and creamy broccoli cheese sauce:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for broccoli due to its iconic flavour pairing with the vegetable. Mild or sharp cheddars are ideal for a smooth sauce, as they are not too aged. Cheddar cheese sauce is also a great way to introduce picky toddlers to broccoli! When making a cheddar cheese sauce, it is best to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as easily due to anti-caking additives.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another excellent melting cheese that pairs well with broccoli. It has a mild flavour and melts smoothly, making it a good option if you want the broccoli flavour to shine through.

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 only takes a few minutes and a little extra milk for American cheese to melt into a thick, smooth cheese sauce. This is because American cheese contains emulsifiers that prevent milk proteins from separating from the milk fat when heated.

Parmesan Cheese

While Parmesan cheese is not known for its melting properties, it can still be used in broccoli cheese sauce in small amounts without affecting the texture. Grated Parmesan, rather than shredded, is best for this recipe.

Other Melting Cheeses

Other good melting cheeses that you can experiment with include Gruyere, Gouda, Colby, or even a blend of your favourite cheeses. When choosing a cheese, look for ones that are not too aged and are known for their melting properties.

How to reheat cheesy broccoli

If you're looking to reheat cheesy broccoli, there are several methods you can use, including the oven, stovetop, microwave, grill, toaster oven, or air fryer. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 375-400°F (around 200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Place your cheesy broccoli on the baking sheet, ensuring the pieces aren't crowded to allow proper heat circulation.
• Optionally, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic powder over the broccoli.
• Put the baking sheet in the oven and reheat for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, as the time may vary depending on the quantity and thickness of the broccoli.
• Once it reaches a golden-brown crispness, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Stovetop Method:

• Put a pan of your choice on medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
• Add your leftover cheesy broccoli to the pan and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• If the broccoli starts to look limp, add a small splash of water to help steam it while cooking.
• Sauté the broccoli for about 2-4 minutes until it's evenly heated. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can make it mushy.
• Transfer the broccoli to a serving plate or bowl and add seasonings like salt and pepper to taste.

Microwave Method:

• Place your leftover cheesy broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, spreading the pieces evenly.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to the dish to prevent dryness.
• Loosely cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
• Microwave on high power for about 1-2 minutes. Start with shorter intervals if reheating a smaller quantity to avoid overheating.
• Remove the cover carefully, as it will be holding back steam.

Grill, Toaster Oven, or Air Fryer:

You can also use a grill, toaster oven, or air fryer to reheat your cheesy broccoli. For the grill and toaster oven, simply heat the broccoli for a few minutes until it's warmed through. For the air fryer, place the broccoli in the basket and reheat at 375°F for a few minutes.

Remember, when reheating cheesy broccoli, it's important to ensure that it doesn't dry out or become mushy. The cooking times may vary depending on the method you choose and the amount of broccoli you're reheating, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

How to cut broccoli for cooking

When preparing broccoli, it's important to cut it correctly to ensure even cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut broccoli for cooking:

Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any dirt or insects that might be present, especially in the florets. You can also remove the leaves, as they are rarely used in recipes.

Step 2: Cut the Florets

Place the broccoli on its side on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the florets away from the stalk. Try to cut as close to the florets as possible, where the stalk begins to branch out. Cut the florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. This will ensure even cooking, whether you're blanching, roasting, or stir-frying.

Step 3: Trim the Stems

After removing the florets, you can trim the stems to an even length. Leave about 1/2 inch of the stem attached to the florets to prevent them from crumbling apart during cooking.

Step 4: Cut the Stalk

The stalk is edible and nutritious, so don't throw it away! First, remove the tough outer layer of the stalk using a vegetable peeler or paring knife. Then, cut the stalk lengthwise into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Finally, cut these slices into smaller pieces, similar in size to the florets.

Step 5: Cooking Methods

Now that your broccoli is cut and prepared, you can choose from various cooking methods such as blanching, steaming (in the microwave or on the stovetop), sautéing, or roasting. Each method will give your broccoli a slightly different texture and flavour, so feel free to experiment to find your favourite!

Bonus: Cheese Sauce for Broccoli

For a delicious and creamy cheese sauce to pair with your broccoli, try making a basic béchamel or white sauce with shredded cheddar cheese. Simply cook flour in melted butter to make a roux, then add milk and simmer until thickened. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Pour this sauce over your cooked broccoli for a comforting and cheesy dish!

Frequently asked questions