Kamil Perry
Broccoli and cheese is a delicious combination that can be served in many ways, such as broccoli tossed with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, broccoli cheese soup, or baked potatoes with cheese sauce. This dish is a versatile side that can be paired with many other foods to create a full and satisfying meal. The best cheese for broccoli has a lower melting point, such as medium to sharp cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese. Freshly grated cheese is also preferable as it melts more smoothly. With these tips in mind, what are some tasty side dishes to serve with broccoli and cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Side dish |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, cheese, potato, bread, carrots, cauliflower, russet potatoes, Greek yogurt, flour, olive oil, rosemary, sea salt, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, seasonal fruits, honey, poppy seeds, zucchini, squash, balsamic vinegar, artichokes, fennel, celery, salad leaves, chicken, garlic, butter, salt, calvestrano olives, breadcrumbs, tarragon, chicken tenders, chickpeas |
| Cheese Types | Mild or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, Parmesan, Fontina |
| Preparation | Boiling, baking, sautéing, air frying, grilling, instant pot |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, crispy, crunchy |
| Taste | Sweet, earthy, peppery, bold, savoury, buttery, salty |
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What You'll Learn
Cheesy garlic breadsticks
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated pizza crust (Pillsbury or your favourite brand)
- Butter
- Garlic (freshly minced or crushed)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Dried oregano or basil
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter and crushed or minced garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preferences.
- Brush the garlic butter evenly over the entire pizza crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the crust. You can also add other shredded cheeses of your choice, like cheddar or Italian blends, for extra cheesiness and flavour.
- Sprinkle dried oregano or basil on top. You can also add other herbs like parsley or dried chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Before baking, cut the cheese-covered pizza crust into the desired shape and size. You can make traditional breadsticks or cut them into rectangles or any other shape you prefer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadsticks are golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These cheesy garlic breadsticks are delicious on their own or served with a variety of dishes:
- Serve them alongside a bowl of soup, like broccoli and cheese soup, for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Dip them into marinara sauce or ranch dressing for an extra flavour boost.
- Enjoy them with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
- Get creative and add toppings like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or chilli flakes for an extra punch of flavour.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick and tasty side dish to serve with your broccoli and cheese, consider making these cheesy garlic breadsticks. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave your kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of garlic and butter!
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Duchess potatoes
To make Duchess potatoes, start by adding potatoes to a large pot of very well-salted cold water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are very tender but not falling apart, which should take around 30 to 45 minutes. Drain the water and let the potatoes sit in the strainer for at least 5 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash them until smooth. Add butter, salt, cayenne, and nutmeg, and continue mashing and mixing until the butter is fully incorporated. For extra richness, you can add cream and egg yolks, and whisk vigorously until the mixture is very smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Cover the mashed potatoes and let them cool to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 425-450°F (220-230°C). To create the distinctive shape of Duchess potatoes, pipe the potato mixture into decorative swirls, usually formed into individual portions. You can chill them for an hour or overnight in the fridge before brushing on the butter and baking for a more defined shape. Before baking, lightly brush or drizzle melted butter over each potato. Bake in the preheated oven until well browned, which should take around 20 minutes. Serve hot, fresh from the oven.
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Arugula salad
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery salad green that pairs well with broccoli and cheese. Here are some ideas for arugula salads to serve with your broccoli and cheese dish:
Lemony Roasted Broccoli, Arugula, and Lentil Salad
This salad features roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts, fresh arugula, black lentils, and a simple lemon dressing. The roasted broccoli adds a crispy, caramelized texture that complements the fresh arugula. You can also add grated Parmesan or sharp white cheddar shavings for extra flavour.
Roasted Broccoli Salad with Arugula and Chickpeas
This salad combines roasted broccoli, toasty chickpeas, and arugula, tossed with a healthy homemade lemon dressing. The chickpeas add a crispy texture and a protein boost to the salad. This salad is a tasty and healthy option to serve with your broccoli and cheese dish.
Grilled Broccoli and Arugula Salad
This salad is a simple combination of grilled broccoli and arugula, tossed with a dressing of your choice and seasoned with salt. You can top it with cheddar cheese to tie it in with your broccoli and cheese dish.
Arugula and Parmesan Salad
A simple yet tasty option is to combine fresh arugula with grated Parmesan cheese and a light dressing. This salad can be served as a side to your broccoli and cheese main course.
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Sauteed zucchini and squash
Sautéed zucchini and squash is a delicious and healthy side dish that can complement a variety of main courses, including broccoli and cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this tasty dish:
Ingredients:
- Medium zucchini (or yellow summer squash) - 4 pieces
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Onion - 1 piece
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thyme
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Start by trimming the ends of the zucchini and cutting them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. You can also use a mix of zucchini and yellow squash for a colourful dish.
Heat some olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions and a tablespoon of butter. Cook gently until the onions begin to brown, which should take around 10 to 11 minutes.
Next, add the zucchini, salt, pepper, thyme, and the remaining butter. Increase the heat to medium. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and starting to brown, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra flavour and freshness.
Tips:
- You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat them in a non-stick skillet until crispy.
- The skin of zucchini is edible and contains additional nutrients and fibre, so you can choose to leave it on or peel it off, depending on your preference.
- If you don't have fresh garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder. Simply sprinkle it over the vegetables before mixing.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as fresh thyme or dried thyme, to suit your taste.
Sautéed zucchini and squash is a simple, tasty, and healthy side dish that pairs well with broccoli and cheese. It can be a great way to include more vegetables in your meal and add a savoury note to your plate.
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Pretzel bites with cheese sauce
If you're looking for a delicious snack to serve with broccoli and cheese, why not try making pretzel bites with cheese sauce? This easy-to-make snack is perfect for game days, concerts, or even as a week-day treat. The soft pretzel bites are made with a simple dough and are boiled in water and baking soda to give them their iconic chewy texture and browned colour. You can keep the pretzels traditional with a sprinkling of coarse salt, or get creative with a cinnamon-sugar topping.
The cheese sauce is just as simple to make. Start by heating milk in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form. In a separate pan, melt some butter and add flour, whisking until lightly browned. Slowly add the warm milk to the flour-butter mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens. Finish the sauce by stirring in your choice of cheese until smooth. A good tip is to use a cheese with a lower melting point, like medium to sharp cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, or Swiss.
Once you've made the pretzel bites and cheese sauce, simply keep the pretzels warm and the sauce from solidifying by using a small crockpot or microwave. These pretzel bites are a definite crowd-pleaser and are perfect for snacking, so why not give them a try?
If you're looking for other ideas to serve with broccoli and cheese, you could try a simple side of bread, or even serve the meal in a bread bowl. A winter fruit salad with a light honey-poppy seed dressing could also be a fresh and seasonal option.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are serving broccoli and cheese as a soup, you can serve it with bread, pretzel bites, or salad. If you are serving broccoli tossed in a cheese sauce, you may want to pair it with something that doesn't have much dairy, such as a baked potato.
You could try an arugula salad with a red wine vinaigrette, a fennel and celery salad with a lemon-parmesan vinaigrette, or an Italian radicchio salad with a creamy lemon vinaigrette.
You could serve it with focaccia, garlic bread, or cheesy garlic breadsticks.
