Broccoli and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4

Broccoli and cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the healthy, earthy flavor of broccoli with the rich, creamy goodness of cheese. This simple recipe can be made in just a few steps and is perfect as a side dish or even a light meal. Whether you use it as a topping for baked potatoes, a side for your main course, or a standalone dish, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!

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Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting) or 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy sauce)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or Gruyère)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a slight smokiness)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Large pot or steamer (if steaming broccoli)
• Large pan or skillet (if sautéing)
• Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
• Serving dish or bowl
• Spatula or spoon for mixing

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Instructions:

Option 1: Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
Time: 5-7 minutes

1. Prepare the broccoli:
   Cut the broccoli into florets. If the stems are thick, peel the tough outer layer and slice them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
2. Steam the broccoli:
   Steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender but still slightly crisp. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the florets. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a steamer basket, or simply boil them in a pot of salted water for about 3-4 minutes. Drain the broccoli well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Time: 5-7 minutes

1. Prepare the sauce:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead. Once melted, add heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent it from burning.
2. Add the cheese:
   Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If you want to add extra flavor, you can stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika at this stage. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine the Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Time: 1 minute

1. Toss the broccoli:
   Place the steamed broccoli in a serving dish or bowl and pour the creamy cheese sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the broccoli in the sauce, ensuring every piece is covered with cheesy goodness.
2. Garnish and serve:
   If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Option 2: Sautéed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce (for a slightly crispier version)

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli
Time: 5-7 minutes

1. Prepare the broccoli:
   Cut the broccoli into florets and rinse them well. You can also peel and slice the stems if you prefer.
2. Sauté the broccoli:
   In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the broccoli florets and sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly crispy around the edges. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Follow the same steps as Step 2 of the Steamed Broccoli option:

• Melt butter (or olive oil) in a saucepan.
• Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika.
• Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Once the broccoli is sautéed to your liking, pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and toss gently to combine.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes:

• Cheese Options: While cheddar is the most common choice for cheese sauce, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère, mozzarella, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses can give your dish a different flavor profile.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, you can add a little flour to the butter at the beginning of making the sauce to create a roux. After melting the butter, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of flour, cook for 1 minute, and then slowly add the cream and cheese. This will thicken the sauce.
• Spicy Broccoli and Cheese: For a spicy twist, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an added kick.
• Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a plant-based cheese (like Daiya or nutritional yeast) in place of the dairy cheese.
• Baked Broccoli and Cheese: For a cheesy, baked version, combine the cooked broccoli with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

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Variations:

• Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add some vegetable broth to the cheese sauce and blend with the cooked broccoli to make a creamy, comforting broccoli cheese soup. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
• Broccoli Cheese Casserole: For a more substantial meal, add cooked rice or cooked quinoa to the broccoli and cheese mixture, top with breadcrumbs or more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
• Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken: If you’re looking for a main course, use this cheese sauce to stuff chicken breasts. Slice a pocket in the chicken breast, stuff with broccoli and cheese sauce, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze broccoli and cheese for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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This Broccoli and Cheese recipe is versatile and comforting, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you steam, sauté, or bake the broccoli, the creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a treat that everyone will love. Enjoy!