The ultimate combination of cheddar and broccoli.
Those who love broccoli will eat it at any time and in any form. Meanwhile, even those who struggle to embrace broccoli can’t say no if it’s covered with cheese. Everyone wins with this broccoli cheese bake. Cheddar in particular pairs so well with broccoli. After all, broccoli cheddar soup is one of the ultimate comfort foods.
You could serve this as a side dish or a main. If you choose to serve it as a main, I would recommend adding a few sides or some extra protein. Personally, I always like stirring in some diced ham or shredded chicken and serve it with crusty bread. Since it’s such a crowd-pleaser, it’s the perfect recipe to pull out for special occasions and large gatherings. People are bound to come back for seconds. Plus, it travels very well if you’re going to a potluck, and it’s super easy to serve. Just cut it into squares and dole it out to hungry guests.
I’ll give you a piece of advice: calling this dish “broc ‘n’ cheese” makes kids about a thousand times more excited about it. Once they taste that creamy blend of tender broccoli and gooey, melted cheese, I can almost guarantee they’ll be asking you to make it again—no matter what you call it.
Is This Broccoli Cheese Bake Healthy?
From a health standpoint, there are positives and negatives to broccoli cheese bake. For starters, making broccoli a part of any meal is a good thing. Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins (including vitamin C), minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. On the other hand, all the cheese and whole milk add to the amount of saturated fat and calories in the dish. Health-conscious people who want to give this recipe a try can use skim milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also reduce the salt.
What Can I Add To This Broccoli Cheese Bake?
Just in case the broccoli and cheese combination isn’t enough, you can have fun with the addition of a few extra ingredients. For starters, combine broccoli with other veggies like cauliflower or asparagus. Some people also enjoy adding rice or cauliflower rice to the pan to make the broccoli cheese bake feel more like a full meal.
In terms of cheese, don’t think that cheddar is your only option. Monterey Jack, Brie, and Gruyère are all types of cheese that blend well with broccoli. Use one instead of the cheddar or mix them up to make a medley. Just be aware of the extra fat and calories that come with more cheese. One final suggestion that’s worth considering is sprinkling a few crackers on top right before putting the pan in the oven. This will give the broccoli cheese bake a little extra crunch.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooled, leftovers can go in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 or 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing broccoli dishes since it will affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
If you use broccoli cheese bake as a side dish, it can be combined with several types of main courses. For instance, folks who aren’t vegetarians may want to pair this dish with Greek Turkey Meatballs With Feta or Whole30 Sweet-And-Sour Paleo Meatballs. Any number of chicken dishes would go well with cheese and broccoli, including Baked Chicken Legs. It could also go well with Slow-Cooker Jerk Chicken Curry. Finally, broccoli and cheese bake is perfect to temper the heat of Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken. A great vegetarian pairing would be a slice of this hearty Vegan Meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli cut into florets
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the broccoli florets in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until al dente, then drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour and salt until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Remove from heat.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheese and broccoli until the cheese starts to melt. Stir in the beaten eggs until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-45 minutes, until set and lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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