Easy Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Welcome to your go-to guide for a delicious and nutritious meal: Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce. This recipe not only showcases bright green broccoli, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, but it also features a velvety cheese sauce that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Originating from simple cooking techniques, this dish stands out for its simplicity and the ability to transform a humble vegetable into a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for an easy steamed broccoli with cheese sauce recipe for your weeknight dinner or you’d like to impress guests with a homemade twist, this recipe has got you covered!

This dish is versatile enough for various dietary preferences: Whether you’re seeking a homemade steamed broccoli with cheese sauce from scratch or a vegan steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, we’ll explore options that cater to your needs. Let’s dive in!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Broccoli:

1 pound fresh broccoli florets
Water for steaming

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese for a vegan option)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Possible Ingredient Swaps:

Use spinach or cauliflower instead of broccoli for a different vegetable.
Switch to buffalo sauce or a spicy cheese blend for an added kick.

Equipment List

Large pot with lid for steaming
Colander or steamer basket
Medium saucepan for the sauce
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Serving dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by rinsing the fresh broccoli florets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent cooking. Keep any thicker stems aside to chop into smaller pieces for even cooking. The vibrant green color will sound a signal of your delicious meal to come!
Steam the Broccoli: In a large pot, add about an inch of water and place a colander or steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully place the broccoli florets in the basket. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until tender yet still crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the florets with a fork but they still retain their shape and color.
Make the Cheese Sauce: While the broccoli is steaming, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux. This step ensures the sauce has depth and flavor.
Whisk in the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. The mixture will thicken as it heats; cook for about 3-5 minutes until it reaches a creamy texture. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and achieve a silky consistency. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The aroma of the melted cheese blending with spices will make your mouth water!
Combine and Serve: Once the broccoli is cooked, drain it well using a colander. Transfer the broccoli to a serving dish and generously drizzle the cheese sauce over the top. Use a spatula to gently toss the broccoli to ensure it’s evenly coated. The vibrant green of the broccoli against the rich, creamy cheese sauce is a sight to behold.

Special Notes

Storing and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the cheese sauce thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of milk to loosen it!

Troubleshooting: If the sauce appears too thick, gradually mix in one or two tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, you can blend the finished mixture in a blender before serving.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe can easily be modified to fit various dietary needs:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your cheese is gluten-free.
Vegan: Substitute dairy butter with vegan butter, use almond milk, and select a vegan cheese brand that melts well.
Low-Carb: Opt for broccoli rice instead of florets, and make a cheese sauce without the flour.

Additional ingredients such as cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs can elevate the dish further, making each bite sumptuous and unique!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce (without modifications) provides approximately:

Calories: 250
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g

Engaging Visual Details

During the cooking process, the deep green of the broccoli will come alive against the golden hue of the cheese sauce. As you drizzle the melted cheese over the steamed broccoli, you want to make sure to capture the moment – the oozy, rich sauce cascading over the crisp florets is a picture-perfect dish. A video demonstrating the cheese sauce’s creamy consistency as it’s poured over the broccoli would certainly entice viewers!

Conclusion

Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce is a crowd-pleaser that combines nutrition with flavor, making it a top choice for any meal. With its rich texture and vibrant colors, it’s sure to grace your table with elegance and satisfaction. We encourage you to give this easy recipe a try and share your experience! Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! You can also share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish to inspire others with your cooking creativity!