Description
A quick and creamy side dish that elevates plain broccoli into a comforting and delicious meal staple, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound Broccoli, fresh or frozen (Cut into similar sized florets for even cooking.)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter (For making the cheese sauce.)
- 2 tablespoons All purpose flour (To thicken the sauce.)
- 1 cup Milk (Whole milk makes the sauce extra creamy.)
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded (Shred your own cheese for the best melting texture.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Optional for additional flavor.)
- 1 pinch Paprika (Optional but adds a nice flavor.)
Instructions
Cooking the Broccoli
- Steam the broccoli until fork tender, taking care not to overcook.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly until smooth.
- Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, adjusting to taste.
Combining and Serving
- Place the cooked broccoli in a serving bowl and pour the cheese sauce over it.
- Toss gently to ensure all florets are coated with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. This dish pairs well with chicken or can be used as a comforting side for many meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
