Description
Creamy cheesy broccoli casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining crisp green florets with rich, melted cheese. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying side dish that warms hearts and delights diners at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Trim broccoli florets, removing thick stems and creating uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Transform broccoli into tender-crisp texture through steaming or rapid boiling, maintaining vibrant emerald color and nutritional integrity. Carefully drain excess moisture to prevent sauce dilution.
- Craft a luxurious cheese foundation by melting butter in a saucepan, developing a golden roux through consistent whisking and gradual flour incorporation.
- Introduce milk incrementally, creating a silky, smooth base while constantly stirring to prevent lumps and achieve perfect consistency.
- Gradually fold shredded cheddar into the warm mixture, allowing gentle heat to melt cheese into a velvety, glossy sauce with rich depth of flavor.
- Enhance sauce with nuanced seasonings – garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper – balancing flavors and elevating the overall taste profile.
- Gently cascade warm cheese sauce over prepared broccoli, ensuring each floret receives an elegant, even coating without breaking delicate vegetable structure.
- Present immediately, allowing the harmonious blend of verdant broccoli and decadent cheese sauce to showcase its peak temperature and textural brilliance.
Notes
- Choose tender yet crisp broccoli florets for the best texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to mushy vegetables.
- Create a silky smooth cheese sauce by whisking continuously and using room temperature milk to prevent lumps from forming.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar, gruyere, or parmesan to transform the flavor profile and add depth.
- Make the dish gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or using a gluten-free flour blend when preparing the roux.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg