The best broccoli and cheese recipe
Cheese and broccoli were practically made for each other! Bringing the two together in broccoli mac and cheese and baked veggie sticks can make the flavor appealing to picky eaters and is the best way to sneak veggies into family meals. If you’re desperate to serve your kids something healthy and nutritious, this Cheesy Broccoli recipe has your back. Simple blanched broccoli is mixed into a homemade easy cheese sauce to transform a regularly boring side into something irresistible! The kids won’t be able to resist this quick broccoli and cheese side dish. If they really love it, then you’ll definitely have to try my Cheesy Cauliflower, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts, Cheesy Green Beans and Cabbage, and Cheesy Cauliflower!
How to boil broccoli
First, we have to cook the broccoli. This can always be done later on if you prefer to cook the cheese sauce ahead of time. To boil the broccoli:
How to make homemade cheese sauce
Now comes the fun part! Making homemade cheese sauce on the stove is super easy and always turns out amazing. It’s ready to eat in just a few minutes: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Pour the milk into the pan and whisk until smooth. To finish, add the shredded cheese and stir until it melts and the mixture is creamy. Add the cooked broccoli florets into the cheese sauce and stir to fully coat. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and substitutions
Instead of boiling – The broccoli can be steamed, sauteed, or roasted instead of boiled if you prefer. Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese is best when making cheese sauce but you can also use white cheddar or mozzarella if you want to make a white cheese sauce. No fresh broccoli at home? Frozen broccoli works just as well! Add more veggies – Add all the veggies you like to the broccoli, like carrots, cauliflower, green beans, corn, or brussels sprouts. Toppings – Make this broccoli cheese recipe extra flavorful with fun toppings, like crumbled bacon, shaved parmesan cheese, crushed almonds, or chopped green onions. Storing – The leftovers will keep in your fridge for 2 or 3 days. Heat them up in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove.
Serving suggestions
For the ultimate family-friendly meal, serve the broccoli and cheese sauce next to rice, noodles, oven baked burgers, sloppy joes, or cheesy meatloaf. It’s always welcome next to more kid-friendly side dishes too, like mashed potatoes and roasted corn! Pin for later:
