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Baked Broccoli with Cheese

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Baked Broccoli with Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that combines roasted broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with melted cheese and a golden, crispy breadcrumb layer, this dish is a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy vegetables. Perfect as a side for dinner or as part of a buffet-style meal, it’s an irresistible veggie option that pairs well with almost any main course!

Ingredients

For the Broccoli:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads of broccoli)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping (Optional):

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping, optional)

Instructions

Roast the Broccoli:

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Prepare the Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss the broccoli to coat evenly.

  • Roast the Broccoli: Roast the broccoli in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned around the edges. Toss halfway through for even cooking.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

  • Prepare the Roux: While the broccoli is roasting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

  • Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and free of lumps. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

  • Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Dish:

  • Combine the Broccoli and Cheese Sauce: After the broccoli has roasted, remove it from the oven and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top of the broccoli.

  • Add Toppings (Optional): For a crispy topping, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the cheese-covered broccoli.

4. Bake:

  • Bake the Broccoli: Return the broccoli to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you used breadcrumbs, bake until the top is crispy.

5. Serve:

  • Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This cheesy broccoli is perfect as a side dish for dinner or as part of a buffet-style meal

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover baked broccoli with cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

  • Substitutions: Feel free to use different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda for different flavors. You can also use plant-based cheese and milk for a dairy-free version.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/baked-broccoli-with-cheese/