This simple yet delicious Cheesy Broccoli recipe takes classic steamed broccoli to the next level! Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish to make for dinner or need a way to get picky eaters to give veggies a try, this cheesy broccoli is guaranteed to be a hit!

If you love trying new ways to serve veggies, you’ll love my Honey Roasted Carrots and Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

Cheesy Broccoli in a white and black serving bowl.

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    Before You Get Started / Kelley’s Tips

    • Blanch the broccoli. For bright green broccoli, blanch it in ice water after it has been removed from the boiling water. You will have to drain the broccoli again and rewarm when ready to serve. To rewarm it, quickly sauté in a hot pan. This preserves the color and warms it up!
    • Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can give the sauce a weird grainy texture. Shred a block of fresh cheddar for the smoothest cheese sauce.
    • Adjust the thickness. If the sauce is too thick, add a little splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook for an extra minute to help it thicken up.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Broccoli: The main part of the dish! Broccoli is a nutrient-packed veggie full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
    • Butter: Adds richness to the cheese sauce.
    • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener for the sauce.
    • Milk: Makes the sauce rich and smooth. I like to use whole milk.
    • Cheddar Cheese: The main flavor booster! It adds a bold, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the broccoli. Make sure to use good quality cheese. And make sure to shred your own for optimal flavor / texture.

    How to Make Cheesy Broccoli

    1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and sprinkle in some salt. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside. I usually add it back to the pot to stay warm.
    Broccoli boiling in a large pot.
    1. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until melted. Stir in cornstarch and whisk until dissolved.
    Cheese sauce in a saucepan with a whisk stirring it.
    1. Pour in milk and cook for 3-4 minutes stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to bubble. Remove from the heat and stir in cheddar cheese and salt. Whisk until smooth and lump free.
    Cheese sauce in a sauce pan with a whisk stirring it.
    1. Pour on top of the cooked broccoli and enjoy!
    Broccoli topped with cheese sauce in a white and black serving bowl.

    Serving Suggestions

    Storage Information

    • To Store leftover cheesy broccoli, keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
    • Freeze cooked broccoli and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers or ziplock bags for up to three months. Freezing the sauce separately helps maintain a smoother texture when reheated.
    • Reheat frozen broccoli by allowing it to thaw in the fridge overnight and steaming or microwaving until warmed through. For the cheese sauce, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if needed to make it creamy again.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

    Grainy cheese sauce can happen if the heat is too high when adding the cheese. Always remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the cheese, and make sure you use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded.

    Can I use a different type of cheese?

    Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the sauce the strongest flavor, you could also swap it with cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.

    What can I do with leftovers?

    Leftover cheesy broccoli is great mixed into pasta, served over baked potatoes, or even blended into a creamy broccoli soup! This is your chance to get creative!

    Broccoli topped with cheese sauce in a white and black serving bowl.

    More Vegetable Sides to Try

    Recipe

    Cheesy Broccoli

    This simple yet delicious Cheesy Broccoli recipe takes classic steamed broccoli to the next level! Smothered in a homemade cheese sauce, this broccoli is packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for an easy side dish to make for dinner or need a way to get picky eaters to give veggies a try, this cheesy broccoli is guaranteed to be a hit!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Serves 4 servings
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    Email this Recipe

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      Ingredients 

      Instructions

      • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and sprinkle in some salt.
        Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
        Drain and set aside. I usually add it back to the pot to stay warm.
      • Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until melted.
        Stir in cornstarch and whisk until dissolved.
      • Pour in milk and cook for 3-4 minutes stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to bubble.
        Remove from the heat and stir in cheddar cheese and salt. Whisk until smooth and lump free.
      • Pour on top of the cooked broccoli and enjoy!

      Notes

      *Optional: For bright green broccoli blanch the broccoli in ice water after it is removed from the boiling water. You will have to drain the broccoli again and rewarm when ready to serve. To rewarm I quickly sauté in a hot pan. This preserves the color and warms it up!

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 25gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 597mgPotassium: 1567mgFiber: 12gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 3539IUVitamin C: 407mgCalcium: 591mgIron: 3mg

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