Broccoli with cheese sauce in the microwave is on the table in under 15 minutes!
Every home cook needs a broccoli and cheese sauce recipe. Steamed broccoli and a simple, cheesy sauce makes a quick side dish everyone loves.
Make Broccoli With Cheese Sauce as a Side Dish Because…
- In this recipe, tender-crisp broccoli is topped with a cheesy homemade sauce.
- The sauce is made from rich and creamy cheddar cheese that melts to golden perfection.
- The result is a savory, creamy, and cheesy dish.
- This dish is ready and on the table in no time!
Ingredients
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best in this recipe but frozen can be used although it won’t be as firm. Cauliflower can be added for color if you like.
Sauce: Real butter, whole milk, and full-fat cheddar cheese are needed for the best flavor. Heavy cream or cubes of softened cream cheese can be used to make the sauce extra rich and creamy.
Variations: Under all that cheesy sauce, you can easily ‘sneak’ in a bag of vegetable medley and the kids will still love it! Leftover ground taco meat, sliced summer sausage, crumbled bacon, and diced ham add protein to broccoli with cheese sauce and turns it into a main dish!
How to Make Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
- Steam broccoli. Drain.
- Melt butter in the microwave and whisk in flour (recipe below).
- Gradually whisk in warmed milk and microwave until thickened.
- Add cheese and microwave until it’s fully melted.
Serve cheese sauce over broccoli.
Cheese Sauce Tips
- Be sure to watch the sauce as it cooks so it doesn’t boil over as microwave wattages vary. For the meltiest cheese, grate a block of cheddar instead of using pre-shredded which has anti-caking agents in it that prohibit the best melt.
- Broccoli and the cheese sauce can both be cooked ahead separately and kept in the refrigerator until ready to reheat in the microwave.
Serving And Storing Broccoli and Cheese
- Broccoli with cheese sauce goes with any protein! It’s perfect next to a hearty meatloaf, chicken, pork chops, or even a holiday ham!
- Keep leftover broccoli with cheese sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave.
- Freezing leftovers isn’t recommended because the cheese sauce becomes grainy once it’s thawed.
More Great Broccoli Recipes
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Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli florets about 6 cups
- 1 cup water
Cheese sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk warmed*
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Wash broccoli and place it in a large skillet. Add water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cover broccoli and steam 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain & place in a bowl. Cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, in a large microwave-safe bowl heat the butter for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in the flour.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed milk. Microwave on HIGH for 3-4 minutes, stopping after each minute to stir, until thickened. (Keep an eye on it so it doesn't bubble over).
- Add cheese and microwave for 1 minute more, until cheese is melted. Stir until the cheese is fully combined and the sauce is smooth. Serve over broccoli.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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