Broccoli Cheese

Indulge in the comforting goodness of this creamy Broccoli Cheese recipe, a perfect harmony of tender, vibrant broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in a silky roux-based cheese sauce, enhanced with a touch of garlic powder, black pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese for a bold and satisfying taste. Blanching the broccoli ensures it maintains its bright color and crisp-tender texture, while the creamy sauce guarantees every bite is luscious and cheesy. Serve this crowd-pleasing dish with your favorite roasted meats, casseroles, or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian main. Perfectly balanced, family-friendly, and packed with cheesy indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups Broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, until they become bright green and just tender.

Step 2

Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a minute, drain well and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that no lumps form. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Add the drained broccoli florets to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat the broccoli evenly.

Step 8

Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish or as part of your main meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1001.4 grams (1001.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1420

Total Fat 104.00g	133%
Saturated Fat 66.60g	333%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 335mg	112%
Sodium 2873mg	125%
Total Carbohydrate 55.20g	20%
Dietary Fiber 9.40g	34%
Total Sugars 22.20g
Protein 83.00g	166%

Vitamin D 209IU	1045%
Calcium 2241mg	172%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 847mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.9%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 14.8%