Best Cheeses To Pair With Broccoli: A Tasty Guide

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The right cheese can take this nutritious vegetable to the next level, making it a delicious and comforting meal. But what type of cheese works best? Cheddar is a popular choice, as its sharpness adds a nice contrast to the earthy, sweet flavours of broccoli. Mild or sharp cheddars melt well and produce a smooth, creamy sauce. For extra flavour, you could also add Parmesan, although this cheese doesn't melt as smoothly. If you're looking for something different, other good melting cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda or Monterey Jack can be used instead.

How to make a cheese sauce

Cheese sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to many meals. It's great for pouring over veggies, using as a dip, or even drizzling over nachos or baked potatoes. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a basic cheese sauce with some tips on how to make it your own.

Ingredients

To make a basic cheese sauce, you'll need:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese

The butter, flour, and milk form the base of the sauce, also known as a roux, and the cheese is added at the end. For the cheese, a good melting cheese is best. Mild or sharp cheddars, Monterey Jack, gouda, gruyere, or asiago are all great options. You can also add some grated parmesan for extra flavour.

Method

• Make the Roux: Start by melting the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in the flour and whisk until you get a smooth paste. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
• Add Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and add the cheese a little at a time. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for some extra spice.

Tips and Variations

• Spicy Cheese Sauce: For a spicier sauce, use pepper jack cheese and add extra cayenne pepper to taste.
• Smooth Sauce: To get the smoothest sauce, use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself as pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that may affect melting. Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce, and always remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese to avoid overheating and clumping.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour alternative, such as King Arthur 1:1 GF Flour.
• Make-Ahead: Cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it tends to coagulate as it cools, so you'll need to reheat it gently and stir in a little extra milk to get it back to the right consistency.
• Veggie Dip: Cheese sauce is a perfect dip for steamed broccoli and other veggies, such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

What cheeses go with broccoli

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason! The cheese transforms the everyday vegetable into a comforting, indulgent dish. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, some are better than others.

The best cheeses for broccoli are those that melt well, such as mild or sharp cheddars, Monterey Jack, Colby, gouda, or gruyere. These cheeses create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the broccoli. Cheddar is a popular choice, as its sharp flavour contrasts nicely with the earthy, sweet notes of the broccoli. Parmesan is also a good option for adding flavour, although it doesn't melt as smoothly as other cheeses.

When making a cheese sauce for broccoli, it's important to use good-quality cheese and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect its melting properties. You'll also need butter, flour, and milk to make a roux, which is the base of a classic béchamel or white sauce. For extra flavour, you can add garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.

Broccoli and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It can be paired with baked potatoes, chicken, or pork chops. The sauce can also be used as a dip for French fries or poured over roasted vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.

How to cook broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook broccoli:

Choosing and Storing Broccoli:

When buying fresh broccoli, look for a uniform green color with no yellow or brown spots. The stalks should be firm, and the surface should be taut and wrinkle-free. Fresh broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Avoid storing it in plastic wrap or bags, and instead, keep it in a glass or pitcher of water, similar to fresh flowers.

Trimming and Prepping Broccoli:

Broccoli stalks are edible, so don't throw them away! Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the tough outer layer of the stalk. Cut the broccoli into spears or separate the florets from the stalk.

Cooking Broccoli:

There are several ways to cook broccoli, including boiling, blanching, steaming, sautéing, and roasting. Here are the steps for each method:

Boiling:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
• Cut the broccoli into florets or leave them as spears.
• Add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
• Drain the broccoli and serve immediately, or dunk it in ice water to stop the cooking process if serving later.

Blanching:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil and add a tablespoon of kosher salt.
• Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes, until crisp-tender.
• Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
• If using the stalks, cook them separately for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or until tender.

Steaming:

• For stovetop steaming, fill a pot with a few inches of water and insert a steamer basket. Ensure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket.
• Add the broccoli florets and stalks, cover, and steam for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender.
• Alternatively, for microwave steaming, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender.

Sautéing:

• Dry the broccoli thoroughly after washing.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss to coat with oil.
• After a minute, add the stalks and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

Roasting:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Toss the broccoli florets and stalks with a drizzle of oil or melted butter and a sprinkle of salt and any desired seasonings.
• Spread the broccoli on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 10 to 25 minutes, until crunchy and caramelized.

Now that you know how to cook broccoli, you can pair it with a variety of cheeses. Some popular choices include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and white cheddar. You can make a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour and milk, and then stirring in shredded cheese until smooth. Drizzle this sauce over your cooked broccoli for a delicious and indulgent side dish.

How to make a kid-friendly meal

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

• Boil a salted pot of water and cook the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture. Drain the water and set the broccoli aside.
• Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, to create a roux. Make sure not to let the mixture brown.
• Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking. Keep whisking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in half of the cheese, the garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Continue stirring until everything is well combined.
• Add the remaining cheese and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and serve immediately.

Tips

• This recipe is a great way to introduce picky toddlers and kids to broccoli!
• For optimal melting, shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded bagged cheese.
• You can use frozen broccoli, but the texture will be softer. Reduce the cooking time by about half.
• If you prefer a more classic cheese sauce, you can follow this recipe instead: [Cheese Sauce or Cheddar Cheese Sauce](https://www.acouplecooks.com/broccoli-and-cheese/>).

How to make a healthy side dish

Cheesy broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. It is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and can be prepared in just a few simple steps. Here is how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk (preferably whole milk)
• Cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of your choice)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional spices: garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground mustard

Instructions:

• Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets, leaving some stem for a nice shape.
• Sauté the broccoli in a pan with olive oil for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Pour a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) into the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese is melted and the water has cooked out.
• Alternatively, you can steam or boil the broccoli instead of sautéing it. If you choose to steam or boil, be sure to cut the broccoli into evenly sized pieces.
• To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat.
• Add flour to the melted butter and whisk to create a roux. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
• Add your choice of shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or ground mustard for extra flavour.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked broccoli and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For a smoother sauce, use mild or sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese, as they melt better than aged cheeses.
• If using frozen broccoli, reduce the cooking time by half as it will have a softer texture.
• This dish can be served as-is or paired with baked potatoes, chicken, or rice.
• You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook the cheese.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious side dish of cheesy broccoli!

Frequently asked questions