Randy Chandler
Broccoli and cheese is a popular combination, with recipes often calling for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. Broccoli is tossed with a creamy cheese sauce to make a comforting side dish that's sure to be a hit with the whole family. This dish is versatile and easy to make, and can be a great way to get both kids and adults to eat their vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mild or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Parmesan |
| Cheese texture | Melts well, not too aged |
| Broccoli type | Broccoli crowns or florets |
| Broccoli preparation | Cut into 1-inch pieces, or 1/2-inch-thick pieces for the stalk |
| Sauce type | Creamy cheese sauce |
| Sauce preparation | Melt butter, whisk in flour, add cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Mild cheddar cheese
Broccoli tossed with a creamy mild cheddar cheese sauce is an easy side dish the whole family will love. Mild cheddar is a great choice for a cheese sauce as it melts well and has a mild, pleasant flavour. It also has a nice contrast to the earthy and sweet flavours of broccoli.
To make a mild cheddar cheese sauce, start by grating 6 ounces of mild cheddar cheese on the large holes of a box grater. You can also use store-bought grated cheese if you prefer. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. This will create a thick, creamy base for your cheese sauce.
Next, add your grated mild cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season the sauce with a touch of ground mustard or cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick, if desired. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce further if needed.
Once your mild cheddar cheese sauce is ready, simply toss it with steamed or roasted broccoli florets. Cut the broccoli crowns or florets into 1-inch pieces, and any large pieces of stalk crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. This ensures that the broccoli is evenly coated in the delicious cheese sauce.
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Sharp cheddar cheese
Broccoli tossed with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce is an easy side dish that's sure to be a hit with the whole family. For a smooth sauce, the best cheeses to use are ones that aren't too aged, such as mild or sharp cheddars or Monterey Jack. Sharp cheddar cheese is a particularly good choice, as it adds a nice contrast to the earthy and sweet flavours of broccoli.
To make a sharp cheddar cheese sauce for broccoli, you'll need to grate 6 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese on the large holes of a box grater (or measure out 1 1/2 cups of store-bought grated cheese). You can also add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cut 1 1/2 pounds of broccoli crowns or florets into 1-inch pieces, and cut any large pieces of stalk crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (you should have about 8 to 9 cups total).
For the cheese sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Then, stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The sauce may seem thick at first, but don't worry! Once the broccoli is mixed in, it will release some water and thin out the sauce.
If you'd like to add some extra flavour to your dish, you can include a touch of ground mustard or cayenne pepper to give it a bit of a kick. You can also substitute other vegetables, such as cauliflower or asparagus, for the broccoli if you prefer.
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Monterey Jack cheese
When making a broccoli cheese sauce, it is important to grate the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-grated cheese. This ensures that the cheese melts smoothly and evenly, creating a creamy, lump-free sauce.
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White cheddar cheese
Broccoli and cheese is a great combination, and white cheddar cheese is an excellent choice for a creamy sauce. White cheddar cheese has a sharp, tangy flavour that pairs well with the earthy, sweet notes of broccoli. When making a cheese sauce, it's best to use a cheese that melts smoothly, and white cheddar fits the bill. It's also a good idea to grate the cheese yourself for the best results.
To make a delicious broccoli and white cheddar cheese dish, start by cutting 1 1/2 pounds of broccoli crowns or florets into 1-inch pieces. If you have any large pieces of stalk, cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. This will give you about 8 to 9 cups of broccoli.
For the cheese sauce, you'll need 6 ounces of grated white cheddar cheese. You can use the large holes of a box grater for this, or measure out 1 1/2 cups of store-bought grated cheese. Additionally, you can add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
To make the sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth, then slowly add in your milk or cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Finally, stir in the grated white cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
Now, simply combine your broccoli with the cheese sauce, and you're done! This dish is a tasty and comforting side that's sure to be a hit with cheese lovers of all ages. Enjoy!
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Swiss cheese
For example, adding spices such as cumin, ground mustard, or cayenne pepper can enhance the flavour of the dish and create a more complex profile. The nuttiness of the Swiss cheese will complement these spices well. Additionally, the sweetness of the Swiss cheese can be balanced by the earthiness of the broccoli, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
Overall, Swiss cheese is a delicious and versatile option for a broccoli cheese sauce. Its mild flavour, melting capabilities, and versatility make it a great choice for this dish. By grating the cheese yourself and considering the other ingredients and flavours, you can create a cohesive and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
Mild or sharp cheddars, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, Swiss cheese and Parmesan are all good options.
Grate the cheese yourself and mix with a sauce made from flour and butter.
Ground mustard, cumin or cayenne pepper will add a kick to the sauce.
For six servings, use 1 1/2 pounds of broccoli and 6 ounces of cheese.
You can substitute your favourite vegetables, like cauliflower or asparagus.
