Fitness / September 15, 2024

Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Creamy, golden, and irresistibly good—this sauce goes on everything!

Table of Contents

Looking for something creamy and cheesy that can be both a dip and a topping? Here’s a broccoli cheese sauce that satisfies! While it’s incredibly delicious on steamed broccoli, this sauce is as velvety as it is versatile. Serve it on pasta, rice, or even quinoa, and you’ll have a hearty meal that makes a great lunch or dinner. Even though it seems fancy, it’s incredibly easy to make, and the whole family is bound to enjoy it!

When making this sauce, my mom likes to add extra black pepper and up to a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra kick. You can play with it according to your preferences, but as it is, broccoli cheese sauce makes a great dip, topping, and even a base for casserole or soup. By the end of this recipe, you’ll be craving it on nearly anything!

Is Broccoli Cheese Sauce Healthy?

While this sauce is rich and heavy, in the right portions, it can be as agreeable to the stomach as it is to the palate. Broccoli, of course, is a well-known superfood, rich in antioxidants and fiber, as well as vitamins A, C, and K.

The sauce itself can be adjusted to accommodate alternative diets. For example, you can exchange regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free mix. However, the results might vary slightly, so experiment a bit to find the best option for you.

The Secret is in the Sauce

What makes this sauce so versatile? Well, it starts with a classic roux: a sautéed mix of butter and flour that makes an excellent base for all kinds of sauces and soups. It’s the same starter for Alfredo, broccoli cheddar soup, and even gravy.

Since this base is so simple, the kind of cheese and seasonings that follow it can be easily changed to suit almost any taste. Prefer a whiter cheese? Use parmesan instead of cheddar. Craving some spice? Add 1/4 teaspoon of cumin and smoked paprika to kick it up a notch. Want to make it thicker and more protein-rich? Add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. Experiment to your palate’s content!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt

Melt butter and mix in flour.

Thicken

Add milk and thicken; add cheese and seasonings.

Serve

Pour sauce over broccoli and enjoy.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

You can easily make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, well-sealed, for up to 3 days. Feel free to reheat on the stove at medium, stirring occasionally, and pour over broccoli, cauliflower, pasta, or whatever else you’d like.

Don’t Ruin the Roux

The trickiest part of this recipe is making the base, but the best way to do so is by continually whisking the ingredients together. Never walk away from a roux on the stove, or you might burn it. The movement of mixing is what leads to perfect texture later on.

Tip 2: Grate your own Cheese

Freshly grated cheese from your local deli or dairy farm is far better than pre-shredded cheese at a grocery store. Not only is the flavor richer, but it melts more easily and turns creamier more quickly.

Serving Suggestions

By itself, this broccoli and sauce combo is great, but you can also serve it on top of melting potatoes, caramelized to perfection.

Another stellar complement to this dish is roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus, adding even more green to the plate.

Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Creamy golden goodness that you’re going to want to put on everything!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 289kcal

Author Amelia Mapstone

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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.