Broccoli Cheese Recipe
Make Broccoli Cheese Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Broccoli
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Broccoli
- 1
Prepare broccoli
Trim broccoli into bite-sized florets so they are roughly uniform (about 1 to 1½ inches). Rinse under cold water and drain.
- 2
Blanch
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot with 1 tsp kosher salt. Add the florets and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and just tender-crisp.
- 3
Shock
Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water (2 cups ice + cold water) to stop cooking. Leave 2–3 minutes until cool. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
Cheese Sauce
- 4
Make a roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbs unsalted butter. Add 3 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell cooks off but the mixture does not brown.
- 5
Add milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk in a steady stream to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until smooth and begin to thicken, about 3–5 minutes.
- 6
Season and simmer
Whisk in 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp fine salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, whisking, until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- 7
Add cheese
Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually stir in 2 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup grated gruyere (or extra cheddar), a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning (add up to 1/4 tsp more salt or pepper if needed). Keep sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally; do not boil.
Assembly & Bake
- 8
Combine
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9x9-inch baking dish or similar. Place the drained broccoli florets in the dish in an even layer. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the broccoli, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- 9
Optional topping
If using topping, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbs melted butter, 2 tbs grated Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese-covered broccoli in an even layer.
- 10
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the topping (if used) is golden brown. For a browner top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- 11
Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes to set. Serve warm as a side dish or a light main.