Description
This irresistible cheesy broccoli recipe features tender-crisp broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, velvety sharp cheddar sauce, making it a perfect quick and wholesome dinner companion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1.5 cups milk or cream (whole milk recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted recommended)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Prep Broccoli: Steam or blanch 4 cups (450g) fresh broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28g) butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (16g) flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups (360ml) milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Add Sharp Cheddar: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups (220g) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted. Season with 0.5 teaspoon (3g) salt, 0.25 teaspoon (1g) black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the rich sharp cheddar melt sauce, ensuring all florets are evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy your cheesy broccoli immediately.
Notes
For quick prep, microwave florets or use frozen broccoli. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother. This recipe can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, or low-carb with specified substitutions. A pinch of cayenne can add a warming kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 270 g)
- Calories: 390 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg