Cheesy Broccoli
This cheesy broccoli recipe is a classic side dish that's kid-friendly, delicious, quick and easy. The homemade cheese sauce is perfection!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli cut into florets (about 6 cups florets)
- Water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk I used 1%
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt plus additional to taste
- Pinch ground mustard optional
- Pinch cayenne optional
Instructions
- Place the broccoli in a large saucepan. Cover with enough water to create a thin layer of water across the bottom of the pan (about 1 cup or so should do it; the broccoli itself will not be covered). Bring to a simmer over high heat, then cover the pan and let simmer until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli, then place in a bowl and cover to keep warm.
- With a towel, carefully wipe the pan dry. Add the butter and melt over medium-low. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour over the top. Whisk constantly until the flour turns golden, about 1 full minute.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let simmer, whisking the entire time, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Working a small handful at a time, whisk in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt fully between additions (if you add too much at once, the sauce will clump). Stir in the Parmesan, salt, and mustard and cayenne (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired (I add a pinch of extra salt). Serve the broccoli warm, with the cheese sauce over the top. Or, stir the broccoli gently into the sauce and serve it mixed.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate cheesy broccoli in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Heat leftovers in a skillet set over medium heat or in the microwave. If you’ve refrigerated the cheese sauce separately, you can warm that in the microwave or in a saucepan set over medium-low heat.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze cheesy broccoli in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before heating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 11gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 39mgPotassium: 477mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1207IUVitamin C: 101mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 1mg
