Description
A comforting and kid-approved side dish, this Cheesy Broccoli is made with a rich, velvety homemade cheese sauce. It’s quick, easy, and a perfect way to make veggies irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
- Water (about 1 cup for steaming)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk (1% preferred)
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Pinch ground mustard (optional)
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Place broccoli florets in a large saucepan and add just enough water to cover the bottom (about 1 cup). Bring to a simmer over high heat.
- Cover and let simmer for 4–5 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside in a bowl, covering to keep warm.
- Carefully dry the saucepan with a towel. Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until golden.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar in small handfuls, whisking until fully melted after each addition.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard, and cayenne if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the cheese sauce over the broccoli, or gently mix the broccoli into the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting results.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce milk slightly or simmer longer.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
