Oh my goodness, cheesy broccoli is one of those side dishes that just makes my heart sing! Imagine fresh, vibrant broccoli florets swimming in a rich, creamy cheese sauce—it’s pure comfort food! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the way everyone’s faces lit up as they took their first bite was just priceless. It’s the perfect blend of earthy vegetables and indulgent cheese, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, cheesy broccoli always steals the show!

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli

To whip up my delightful cheesy broccoli, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Start with 1 pound of fresh broccoli florets, which should be rinsed and trimmed for that perfect bite. You’ll also need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese—I love using sharp cheddar for that extra flavor! Next, grab 1 cup of milk to help create that creamy sauce. Don’t forget 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a luscious cheese base. Finally, have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. Trust me, these ingredients come together beautifully!

How to Prepare Cheesy Broccoli

Getting this cheesy broccoli ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma! Let’s dive right into the steps that will bring this dish to life.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it!
While that’s heating up, steam the broccoli florets in a pot for about 5–7 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. You want them to have a little crunch!
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute—this will help thicken your cheese sauce.
Next, gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. It should take about 3-4 minutes.
Now, stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts into that creamy goodness. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
In a baking dish, combine the cheese sauce with the steamed broccoli, making sure every floret is coated.
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Wow, it’s going to be so tempting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich, creamy cheese sauce that complements the fresh broccoli beautifully.
Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, or stands alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
Great for gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Customizable with your favorite cheeses or toppings for extra crunch.
Kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

To make sure your cheesy broccoli turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! First, be sure to steam the broccoli just until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch; no one wants mushy broccoli! Next, when making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously while adding the milk to avoid lumps—smooth is the name of the game! If you want to elevate the dish, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crunchy layer. And remember, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or mozzarella, for delightful flavor twists. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this dish!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads up—nutritional values for this cheesy broccoli can vary quite a bit depending on the brands and specific ingredients you use. While I’ve provided a general idea, they aren’t set in stone. Always check your labels for the most accurate information!

FAQ About Cheesy Broccoli

I know you might have some questions about this cheesy broccoli recipe, so let’s tackle them together!

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can mix it up by using different cheeses like gouda for a smoky flavor or mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey texture. Even a bit of blue cheese can add a bold kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to adjust the amount based on how strong you want the flavor to be!

Can I make cheesy broccoli ahead of time?

You sure can! Just prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover it and pop it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it for a little longer if it’s cold from the fridge. It makes meal prep a breeze!

What can I serve with cheesy broccoli?

This dish pairs beautifully with so many things! Think grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal, or even baked potatoes for a cozy vegetarian night. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a balanced plate. Trust me, cheesy broccoli is the star of the show!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers of this cheesy broccoli (which is rare, trust me!), storing them is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker fix—just cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every last cheesy bite!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of broccoli, you can read more about it here.

Cheesy Broccoli: 7 Delicious Steps to Comfort Food Bliss

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy broccoli is a delicious side dish made with fresh broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound fresh broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth.
Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the cheese sauce with the broccoli in a baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

You can use any cheese you prefer.
Add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cheesy broccoli, broccoli cheese, vegetable side dish

Spread the love