Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Recipe is a quick and creamy side dish that’s perfect for family meals. Fresh broccoli florets are cooked until tender and coated in a rich, cheesy sauce made from melted cheddar, butter, and milk. The dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served immediately or finished under the broiler for a bubbly cheese topping. It’s a delicious way to make broccoli appealing to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of paprika (optional)

Topping (Optional)

Extra shredded cheddar cheese for broiling

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Instructions

Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water until just tender, about 4–5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sogginess.
Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux without browning.
Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 2–3 minutes.
Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Mix in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika if desired for extra flavor.
Combine Broccoli with Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat all the florets evenly with the creamy mixture.
Serve or Broil: Serve the cheesy broccoli warm as a side dish. Optionally, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden for an appealing finish.

Notes

Frozen broccoli can be substituted; just be sure to steam and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
For a sharper, more intense cheese flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
This cheesy broccoli pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or baked potatoes, making it a versatile side dish for many meals.
Broiling is optional but helps create a beautiful cheesy crust on top for presentation and added texture.