broccoli and cheddar recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best broccoli and cheddar recipe

I’m so excited to share this broccoli and cheddar recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love it because it’s just so easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

And the best part? It’s actually good for you too!

Broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the cheddar cheese adds a nice bit of calcium to keep your bones strong. Plus, it’s just so versatile – you can serve it as a side dish, add it to a casserole, or even use it as a topping for a baked potato.

I could go on and on about this recipe, but I’ll try to contain myself and get to the good stuff. So let’s get started!

Broccoli and Cheddar Bake

4.7 from 1855 votes

This comforting broccoli and cheddar bake is a delightful blend of tender broccoli and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli Mixture

4 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3Toss to coat evenly.
4Place the broccoli mixture in a greased baking dish.
5Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
6Take the broccoli out of the oven.
7While the broccoli is baking, melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
8Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
9Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light brown color.
10Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
11Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes.
12Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
13Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
14Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli in the baking dish.
15Stir to combine, ensuring the broccoli is well coated.
16Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
17Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets for this recipe. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Watch Video Of How Broccoli and Cheddar Bake Works

Broccoli and cheddar is a dish that is always a hit with my family. It is easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. I love that it can be served as a side or a main course, making it perfect for any occasion.

It is always a good idea to have this recipe in your back pocket and works well for family gatherings. Plus, it is a great way to get your kids to eat their greens. I often make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy meals later on.

It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking with the addition of other vegetables or spices. Simply steam the broccoli, mix it with the cheddar and other ingredients, and bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is a classic for a reason and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli and Cheddar Bake

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, keep in mind that frozen broccoli may have a softer texture and a less vibrant color than fresh broccoli. To use frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the recipe.

2. What type of cheddar cheese should I use?

I recommend using a good quality, sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe. The sharper the cheese, the more flavor it will have. You can use either block cheese or pre-shredded cheese. If you use block cheese, make sure to shred it yourself for the best results.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this dish. Some great options include cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers. Simply chop the vegetables into small pieces and add them to the broccoli and cheese mixture before baking.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the broccoli and cheddar in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Assemble the broccoli and cheddar mixture and place it in a baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Assemble the broccoli and cheddar mixture and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

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