Cheese And Broccoli: Perfect Partners For Pasta Dishes

Broccoli and cheese is a delicious combination that can be used in a variety of dishes. One popular option is broccoli cheese soup, which can be served with a variety of sides such as bread, salad, or fruit. Broccoli and cheese can also be made into a casserole, which is a great side dish for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in. This dish goes well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, beef, or pork.

Turkey

Roasted Turkey

Roast turkey is a classic choice for a main dish, especially during the holidays. You can roast a whole turkey or just a turkey breast, depending on the size of your gathering. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Baste it regularly with butter or oil to keep it moist and juicy. Pair it with broccoli and cheese for a delicious and comforting meal.

Create a hearty and flavourful turkey casserole by combining cooked turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. For a broccoli and cheese twist, you can include steamed broccoli florets and a generous amount of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese in the casserole. Top it with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy texture. This option is great for making use of leftover turkey after a big holiday meal.

For a more casual approach, turkey sliders are a fun and tasty option. Season ground turkey with your favourite herbs and spices, and form them into small patties. Grill or pan-fry the sliders to perfection, and serve them on mini buns with your favourite toppings. The sliders can be paired with a side of broccoli and cheese for a well-rounded meal.

A stir-fry is a quick and easy option for a main dish. Cut turkey breast into thin strips and stir-fry it with broccoli florets and other vegetables of your choice. Add a savoury sauce, such as teriyaki or soy sauce, to bring all the flavours together. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice or noodles, with an extra helping of melted cheese on top.

On a chilly day, a warm bowl of turkey soup can be comforting and satisfying. Simmer turkey bones or leftover turkey meat with vegetables, herbs, and broth to create a nourishing soup. For an extra cheesy touch, add some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese to the soup, or serve it with a side of broccoli and cheese soup.

Christmas ham

Ham is a classic main course for Christmas, and a glazed ham is a traditional centrepiece for a Christmas dinner. A Christmas ham is a great option if you're looking for a main dish to serve with broccoli and cheese. Here are some tips and recipes to help you prepare a delicious Christmas ham:

Choosing the Ham

When selecting a ham for your Christmas dinner, opt for a pre-cooked, bone-in ham. These hams come pre-smoked and fully cooked, and all you need to do is add some flavourings. Look for a ham that includes a spiral cut, which will make it easier to slice and serve.

Glazing the Ham

To make your Christmas ham truly special, consider glazing it. A glaze can add a touch of sweetness and a festive flavour to your ham. Here are some popular glaze options:

• Brown sugar glaze: Combine butter, brown sugar, honey, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a rich, caramelized coating on your ham.
• Maple glaze: Use maple syrup or honey as the base, and add spices like cinnamon and allspice. You can also include Dijon mustard for a tangy touch.
• Sweet holiday glaze: Mix maple syrup, orange juice, ginger ale, brown sugar, honey, and maraschino cherry juice for a unique, festive flavour.

Preparing the Ham

• Preheat your oven to a temperature between 320°F and 350°F.
• Remove the skin (rind) from the ham. Use a small knife to carefully separate the skin from the fat, and cut a diamond pattern across the fat surface.
• Apply the glaze of your choice generously over the surface of the ham. You can also insert cloves or stud the ham with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for extra flavour and decoration.
• Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake for about 2-2.5 hours, basting it with the glaze every 20-30 minutes.
• Increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the final 15-20 minutes of cooking to caramelize the glaze.

Serving the Ham

Once your Christmas ham is cooked, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. You can garnish it with fresh herbs and cranberries, and spoon the pan drippings over the ham for extra flavour and moisture.

A Christmas ham pairs well with various side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and roasted vegetables. It's also an excellent choice to serve with broccoli and cheese, whether it's a broccoli cheese casserole or a simple steamed broccoli side dish.

Pork tenderloin

Broccoli and cheese is a versatile combination that can be served as a side dish or incorporated into a main course. Here are some ideas for main dishes that would pair well with broccoli and cheese, specifically focusing on pork tenderloin:

• Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Roast the pork tenderloin in the oven at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Season the pork with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Serve it alongside steamed or roasted broccoli with a cheese sauce, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese sauce.
• Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli and Cheese Casserole: Create a hearty casserole by combining broccoli florets, cheese sauce, and diced cooked pork tenderloin. You can also add some crushed buttery crackers on top for a crispy texture. Bake the casserole until it's bubbly and golden brown.
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli and Cheese: Fire up your grill and cook the pork tenderloin to perfection, giving it delicious charred marks. Serve it with grilled or roasted broccoli, topped with crumbled cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a refreshing take on this combination.
• Pork Tenderloin Sandwich with Broccoli Slaw: Slice the cooked pork tenderloin thinly and pile it high on a toasted bun. On the side, prepare a broccoli slaw by shredding broccoli stalks and mixing them with shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a tangy cheese sauce. This creates a refreshing and crunchy side dish to complement the sandwich.
• One-Pan Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli and Cheese: In a large skillet, sear the pork tenderloin and then add broccoli florets and your choice of cheese. You can use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a gooey and delicious flavour. Cover the skillet and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Pork Tenderloin Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cheese: Cut the pork tenderloin into thin strips and stir-fry it with broccoli florets, bell peppers, and onions. Add your choice of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar, to create a creamy and savoury sauce that brings everything together. Serve this stir-fry with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Roasted chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken Cut

When selecting chicken for roasting, consider opting for bone-in, skin-on cuts like chicken thighs or a whole chicken. The bone helps keep the meat moist and flavourful during roasting, while the skin crisps up nicely, adding texture to your dish.

Seasoning and Flavour Profile

To complement the broccoli and cheese, consider seasoning your chicken with a blend of herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and paprika. This will add depth of flavour to your dish. Additionally, consider using a brine or marinade to infuse additional flavours into the chicken. A simple brine of salt, sugar, and herbs can help keep the chicken moist and juicy during cooking.

Cooking Method and Temperature

Roasting the chicken at a moderate temperature, around 350-375°F (180-190°C), will ensure that the chicken cooks through without drying out. If you want to add some colour and crispness to the skin, you can finish the chicken under a hot grill or broiler for a few minutes after roasting.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

When serving roasted chicken with broccoli and cheese, consider the following:

• Vegetable preparation: You can roast the broccoli alongside the chicken to infuse it with the chicken's juices and flavours. Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them around the chicken in the roasting pan. This will create a harmonious flavour profile and reduce the number of dishes you need to wash!
• Cheese sauce: A creamy cheese sauce can be drizzled over the roasted chicken and broccoli to tie the dish together. A simple cheese sauce can be made by melting butter in a saucepan, adding flour to create a roux, and then slowly whisking in milk until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of mustard for a sharp, tangy flavour.
• Garnishes: To add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish, consider garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Additionally, some sliced almonds or crispy fried onions can add texture and flavour to the dish.
• Side dishes: To round out the meal, consider serving the roasted chicken and broccoli with some simple side dishes like roasted potatoes, a green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the cheese sauce.

Remember to allow your roasted chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute, making the chicken moist and tender. Enjoy experimenting with this classic combination of roasted chicken, broccoli, and cheese!

Steak

If you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, try a steak with broccoli and cheese casserole. This dish combines tender steak with a creamy and crunchy casserole. To make the casserole, you can steam or roast broccoli and combine it with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs. Season it with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavours. Don't forget to add buttery crackers or Ritz cracker crumbs to the topping for an extra indulgent touch.

For a warm and satisfying meal, pair your steak with a creamy and cheesy broccoli soup. This soup is easy to make and can be ready in just 30 minutes. The key to a great soup is using freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, which melts smoothly and adds a bold flavour. You can also add diced russet potatoes to make it even heartier. Serve the soup with a side of steak for a filling and indulgent meal.

Sides and Toppings

When serving steak with broccoli and cheese, consider adding some sides and toppings to enhance the meal:

• Cheesy garlic bread or focaccia: Warm, homemade bread pairs perfectly with the steak and broccoli.
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: For a protein-packed addition.
• Winter Fruit Salad: A light and fresh side dish to balance the richness of the meal.
• Charcuterie board: A selection of meats, cheeses, and crackers can complement the flavours of the steak and broccoli.
• Smashed potatoes: Crispy on the outside and loaded with delicious garlic butter flavour, these potatoes make a great side.

Remember to cook your steak to your desired doneness and season it well to complement the flavours of the broccoli and cheese. Enjoy your steak and broccoli cheese creation!

Frequently asked questions