If you’re looking for a side dish that’s quick, cheesy, and gets everyone to actually want to eat their veggies, look no further than this Cheesy Broccoli recipe. Tender steamed broccoli is bathed in a rich, melty cheese sauce that turns this humble green veggie into a family favorite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or potlucks, this dish delivers all the comfort of mac and cheese — without the pasta. Whether you bake it as a casserole or serve it straight from the stovetop, it’s a warm and cheesy classic that always disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- 🥦 A great way to make broccoli exciting and delicious
- 🧀 Ultra creamy cheese sauce with simple ingredients
- ⏱️ Ready in under 20 minutes
- 🍽️ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- 💡 Versatile — serve as a side or over baked potatoes, rice, or chicken
Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements – Serves 4 to 6)
- 5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: extra cheese or breadcrumbs for baking
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
Steam or boil broccoli florets until just tender (about 4–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
🥄 Tip: Keep them slightly crisp so they don’t get mushy once mixed with sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and mix gently to coat. Serve immediately as-is or transfer to a baking dish.
Optional Step 4: Bake
Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Add-Ins
- 🧀 Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère for variation
- 🌶️ Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for a little kick
- 🧅 Stir in sautéed onions or mushrooms for depth
- 🐔 Turn it into a full meal by adding shredded chicken or cooked rice
- 🥘 Make it ahead and reheat gently in the oven or microwave
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving – based on 6)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 310mg
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