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
Units
Scale
- 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