Description
Cheesy broccoli bake brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its creamy texture and rich flavors. Wholesome ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying side dish that invites you to savor each delightful, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare oven to 350F (175C), ensuring optimal temperature for baking.
- Transform broccoli florets into tender morsels through steaming process, then transfer to a well-greased baking vessel.
- Create a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, incorporating flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Introduce milk gradually, whisking continuously to develop a silky, lump-free sauce with smooth consistency.
- Incorporate half of the cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Cascade the luxurious cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli, ensuring complete coverage within the baking dish.
- Generously crown the broccoli with remaining shredded cheddar, creating a tantalizing cheese layer.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20 minutes of heat to transform the dish into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Extract from oven and serve immediately while cheese remains molten and inviting.
Notes
- Transform this dish into a keto-friendly version by replacing regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour to lower carbohydrate content.
- Add crispy bacon bits or pancetta on top for extra flavor and crunch, creating a more complex taste profile.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or smoked Gouda to elevate the traditional cheddar cheese sauce.
- Make it vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg