Grated Cheese Broccoli Bake: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make side dish that will win over your family and friends, then look no further than this Grated Cheese Broccoli Bake. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s simple, yet incredibly flavorful, utilizing the rich taste of cheese combined with the healthy goodness of broccoli. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish at home.

List of Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream or milk
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₄ tsp paprika or chili powder for some heat (optional)
• 1 tbsp of butter or olive oil for sautéing

Preparation Steps

Let’s walk through how to bring this Grated Cheese Broccoli Bake to life:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes or until they turn bright green.
   • Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3. Make Cheese Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
   • Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Slowly whisk in the cream or milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Add the grated cheddar cheese, reserving some for topping, and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • Place the blanched broccoli into an oven-safe baking dish.
   • Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli.
   • Top with a mixture of Parmesan and the remaining cheddar cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

💡 Note: This dish is forgiving; if you find the cheese starting to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information

Tips for Variations

• Vegetables: Add cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutritional value and flavors.
• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Colby, or a sharp cheese for a more robust flavor profile.
• Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or olive oil over the cheese before baking for an added crunch.
• Herbs: Introduce herbs like thyme or rosemary for a subtle aromatic twist.

💡 Note: Avoid over-baking as it can dry out the dish; keep an eye on the texture and remove from oven when the cheese has a nice golden-brown color.

The Grated Cheese Broccoli Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. It's a dish that emphasizes the comfort of home cooking while providing a burst of flavors from the cheese and the subtle crunch of the broccoli. Whether you're serving it as a side or a main, it’s versatile enough to be the star of your meal. The key is in the cheese sauce, which brings warmth and richness, making this a go-to recipe when you crave something hearty and satisfying. By exploring the variations mentioned, you can tailor this recipe to suit your dietary needs or to add a personal touch, ensuring it remains a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

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Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! However, ensure you thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it to avoid a soggy bake.

How can I make this dish healthier?

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Consider using low-fat milk instead of cream, or even almond milk. You can also reduce the cheese amount or use a cheese alternative to lower the fat and calorie content.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

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Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the point where you pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, ensuring you add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.