Creamy, golden, and irresistibly good—Broccoli Cheese Sauce goes on just about everything!
Growing up, my parents couldn’t get me to touch broccoli without drenching it in cheese. I began to love the fibrous vegetable on its own when I got older, but that doesn’t mean I gave up on the cheesy version! I have seen many frozen versions of broccoli and cheese in the grocery store, which made me wonder if I could recreate a healthier version myself. This creamy, flavorful sauce elevates broccoli into a must-have side dish. After making the roux from unsalted butter and flour, you’ll mix in whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. The end result is a smooth and velvety sauce that has become a staple for my weeknight meals.
Even though we’re calling it broccoli cheese sauce, it’s actually a universal condiment that can be used over a variety of dishes. I also love dipping veggies in this creamy, cheesy sauce. I would also encourage you to use the sauce as a base for a casserole or soup. Even though it seems fancy, it’s incredibly easy to make, and the whole family is bound to enjoy it. By the time you try it, I’m sure you’ll want to drizzle it over almost everything.
Is This Broccoli Cheese Sauce Healthy?
Since this sauce is rich and heavy, it should be consumed in moderation due to the high calorie and fat content. However, it’s being paired with broccoli, which is a well-known superfood. Broccoli is rich in fiber as well as vitamins A, C, and K. Even though the sauce itself isn’t the healthiest option out there, it’s a sneaky way to introduce more healthy vegetables into your family’s diet.
The sauce itself can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of diets. For example, you can exchange unsalted butter with ghee for a lactose-free option. You could also replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or whole-wheat flour, if desired. If you’re vegan, you could replace butter, whole milk, and cheddar cheese with vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese. However, the results might vary with these modifications, so experiment a bit to find the best options for you.
Make The Sauce Your Own
What makes this sauce so versatile? Well, it starts with a classic white sauce that allows for plenty of customization. If you want a tangier version of this sauce, consider adding Dijon mustard. Since this base is so simple, the type of cheese and seasonings that follow can be easily changed to suit almost any taste. Prefer a whiter cheese? Use Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar. Craving some spice? Add a quarter teaspoon of cumin and smoked paprika to kick it up a notch. Want to make it thicker and more protein-rich? Add a quarter cup of Greek yogurt. I encourage you to experiment with this sauce recipe and try it over cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can easily make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat the sauce on the stove over a low heat while stirring.
Serving Suggestions
By itself, this broccoli and sauce combo is great, but you can also serve it on top of Melting Potatoes or Sautéed Mushrooms. The caramelized flavors in these side dishes will taste absolutely divine with the cheese sauce. Another stellar complement to this dish is Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Asparagus, adding even more green to the plate.
Since broccoli with cheese sauce is a heavy side dish, I like to pair it with lighter proteins. For example, the broccoli is delicious next to Baked BBQ Chicken Breast or Baked Pork Tenderloin. You can even pour some additional sauce over this Easy Low-Carb Paleo Meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets steamed
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the warm cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli and serve immediately.
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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