Description
A creamy, cheesy broccoli dish featuring tender steamed broccoli florets smothered in a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce, perfect as a comforting side or light vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
- Water (enough to create a thin layer at bottom of pan, about 1 cup)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk (1% recommended)
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional to taste)
- Pinch ground mustard (optional)
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Steam Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover just the bottom of the pan, about 1 cup. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then cover and let steam until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a bowl, covering to keep warm.
- Prepare Roux: Using a clean towel, wipe the saucepan dry. Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter and whisk constantly until the flour turns a golden color, approximately 1 minute. This forms a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour the milk into the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep simmering and whisking the sauce gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes, resulting in a smooth, creamy base.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese a small handful at a time, allowing each addition to fully melt before adding more to prevent clumping. Stir in the grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and optional ground mustard and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the steamed broccoli warm with the cheese sauce spooned generously over the top, or gently stir the broccoli into the sauce for a mixed presentation. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Steaming broccoli rather than boiling preserves nutrients and texture.
- Wiping the pan dry between steps prevents the roux from becoming lumpy.
- Adding cheese gradually ensures a smooth sauce without clumping.
- Ground mustard and cayenne are optional but add a subtle depth and slight heat to the cheese sauce.
- Use low-fat milk (1%) to keep the sauce creamy yet lighter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy broccoli, broccoli cheese sauce, steamed broccoli, easy side dish, vegetarian side
