This easy Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese Sauce recipe is the perfect vegetarian side dish for any meal. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, looking for a cheesy holiday side dish, or trying to get picky eaters to love their veggies, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Steamed broccoli is smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce and topped with crispy toasted Panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food-style side. It’s a crowd-pleasing broccoli side dish, even kids will love. If you love this recipe, you will more than likely devour this Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower!
Why You Will Love this Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved: This cheesy broccoli side dish is great for kids and adults, alike. The rich cheddar cheese sauce and buttery panko topping make vegetables something everyone looks forward to.
- Perfect Holiday Side Dish: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this easy vegetable dish adds a cozy, comforting touch to any festive table.
- Easy Weeknight Recipe: Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time, it’s a quick way to dress up steamed broccoli for busy weeknights.
- Vegetarian Comfort Food: No meat needed! This warm and hearty side is perfect for vegetarians, or anyone trying to eat more plant-based meals.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Easily substitute with cauliflower, broccolini, or even green beans
- Butter: Instead of butter, use olive oil or vegan butter
- Milk: Half-and-half, heavy cream, or unsweetened plant-based milk will work well in this cheesy broccoli recipe.
- Cheddar cheese: Colby Jack or Monterey Jack can also be used as substitutes. Adding a touch of Parmesan will give this dish added flavor and nuttiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Use crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs if you do not have panko breadcrumbs.
How to Prepare Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in the microwave for about 25 seconds. Stir in 1/3 to 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs until coated. Add a touch more panko, if needed.
- Toast the breadcrumbs in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Transfer to a paper towel to soak up any excess butter.
- Cut a large head of broccoli into florets. Place in a microwave-safe bowl with 2/3 cup of water. Cover and microwave for 7 to 8 minutes, or longer if you prefer the broccoli very tender.
- In a deep sauté pan, melt two tablespoons of butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk and add the seasonings. Whisk, until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the shredded cheese, a little at a time, to prevent clumping.
- Taste for salt.
- Drain the cooked broccoli thoroughly and place in a serving bowl.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and top with the toasted breadcrumbs.
Alternative Methods to Steaming the Broccoli
Here are a few alternatives to steaming the broccoli in the microwave:
1. Stovetop Steaming
- Bring about 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over the boiling water.
- Cover and steam for 5–7 minutes, or until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, or longer if you want really tender broccoli.
2. Roasting
- Toss broccoli florets with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Roast on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- This method adds a bit of caramelized flavor and works great with the cheese sauce.
How to Serve and Store Leftovers
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with baked or air fryer chicken, roast turkey, or grilled tofu.
- Spoon over baked potatoes or rice for a cozy meal.
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa or farro.
Storing Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if the cheese sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time? Yes! Although the consistency of the cheese sauce is best when freshly made, you can make the cheese sauce up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat slowly with a touch more milk, before serving.
- What else can I use leftover cheese sauce for? Use any extra sauce on baked potatoes, pasta, nachos, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great as a dip for soft pretzels or crusty bread.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? As written, no. However, you can use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
- Can I make it vegan? Yes! Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheddar shreds for a delicious vegan broccoli with cheese sauce.
More Broccoli Recipes to Love
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Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese Sauce recipe is the perfect vegetarian side dish for any meal. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner, looking for a cheesy holiday side dish, or trying to get picky eaters to love their veggies, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or cayenne pepper (your choice)
- Pinch of salt
For the Toasted Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in the microwave for about 25 seconds. Stir in 1/3 to 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs until coated. Add a touch more panko, if needed.
- Toast the breadcrumbs in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Transfer to a paper towel to soak up any excess butter.
- Cut a large head of broccoli into florets. Place in a microwave-safe bowl with 2/3 cup of water. Cover and microwave for 7 to 8 minutes, or longer if you prefer the broccoli very tender.
- In a deep sauté pan, melt two tablespoons of butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk and add the seasonings. Whisk, until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the shredded cheese, a little at a time, to prevent clumping.
- Taste for salt.
- Drain the cooked broccoli thoroughly and place in a serving bowl.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and top with the toasted breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Toast the breadcrumbs first as they need your full attention to ensure they do not burn.
- Alternatively, steam the broccoli on the stovetop, or roast in the oven.
- Be sure to drain the broccoli very well.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese to make the cheese sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the cheese to avoid clumping.
- If the cheese sauce seems to thick, add in a touch more milk.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, whisk in a touch more cheese.
- Freshly shredded cheese works best, as opposed to packaged shredded cheese.
- Taste the finished cheese sauce for salt.
- Serve immediately for best results.
- This recipe will feed four adults, more, if serving other side dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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