Zesty Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce Recipe for Flavor Fans

Broccoli takes center stage in this irresistible roasted broccoli with cheese sauce that turns ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering delight.

Golden edges crisp up while the interior remains tender and vibrant green.

The rich, velvety cheese sauce drapes perfectly over each floret, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Sharp cheddar melts into a luxurious coating that makes even vegetable skeptics ask for seconds.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, tangy embrace of cheesy goodness.

This simple yet elegant side dish comes together in minutes, promising to steal the spotlight at any meal.

Get ready to fall in love with broccoli like never before.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 159 kcal

Servings: 5

Roasted Broccoli & Cheese Sauce – Ingredient Lineup

• Broccoli: Packed with nutrients, select firm, vibrant green florets with tight buds for the best flavor and texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick without overwhelming the broccoli's natural taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy edges and promotes even roasting while adding a rich, smooth coating.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the broccoli's natural sweetness and brings out its deep, earthy flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle warmth and complexity to the roasted vegetable.

• Butter: Creates a silky foundation for the sauce and adds rich, creamy depth.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and provides a smooth, velvety texture.
• Milk: Delivers a creamy consistency and helps bind the sauce ingredients together.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces a bold, tangy richness that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious sauce.

Tools to Roast and Sauce with Ease

• Baking Tray: Essential for roasting broccoli evenly and creating crispy edges.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for cutting broccoli into bite-sized pieces precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add exact amounts of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pan: Used for creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce without burning.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Crucial for stirring sauce and preventing lumps.

Roast & Pour Instructions for Broccoli Lovers

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen appliance to get it ready for roasting.

• Broccoli Breakdown

Chop the green veggie into appealing bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly.

• Seasoning Magic

Toss the broccoli with flavor enhancers like garlic powder, olive oil, and spices to create a delicious coating.

• Roasting Adventure

Place the seasoned broccoli in the hot oven and let it transform into crispy golden goodness for about 25-30 minutes.

• Cheese Sauce Creation

In a pan, create a smooth sauce by melting butter and gradually mixing in flour to build a creamy base.

• Milk Incorporation

Slowly pour milk into the butter mixture, stirring constantly to prevent any lumpy situations.

• Cheese Finale

Sprinkle in some parmesan and cheddar, allowing the cheeses to melt into a luxurious sauce that will make taste buds dance.

• Serving Delight

Drizzle the silky cheese sauce over the roasted broccoli or serve it as a dipping companion for an irresistible side dish.

Upgrade the Flavor: Cheese Sauce Twists

• Sprinkle nutritional yeast or hemp seeds over roasted broccoli for extra protein and nutty flavor.
• Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cajun spice, or red pepper flakes to add exciting heat and depth to the roasted broccoli.
• Swap traditional cheeses with gouda, blue cheese, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that transform the classic sauce.
• Roast broccoli and prepare cheese sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight meal prep, keeping components fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pat broccoli completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy florets during cooking.

Pairing & Plating Your Broccoli Dish

• Dip and Drizzle Delight: Serve the roasted broccoli with a side of warm cheese sauce for a delectable dunking experience that elevates the veggie's crispy texture.
• Garnish with Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Create a Complete Meal: Pair the cheesy roasted broccoli with grilled chicken, salmon, or serve alongside quinoa or rice for a balanced and satisfying dinner plate.
• Turn into Party Appetizer: Transform the recipe into bite-sized finger food by cutting broccoli smaller and serving with toothpicks for easy sharing at gatherings or potlucks.

Refrigerating and Warming Suggestions

• Prep Ahead: Chop broccoli and prepare cheese sauce ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted broccoli and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm roasted broccoli in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, and gently reheat cheese sauce on low heat while stirring constantly to prevent separation.
• Freeze Smartly: Freeze cheese sauce in small portions for up to 1 month, ensuring you thaw in the refrigerator overnight and whisk thoroughly before reheating to restore smooth consistency.

Crispy Broccoli With Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory roasted broccoli with cheese sauce delivers a mouthwatering side dish that elevates simple vegetables. Crisp florets under creamy cheddar create a delightful combination you’ll crave at dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups broccoli (fresh, cut into florets)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.75 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/8 cup (15 g / 0.5 oz) grated parmesan cheese
• Black pepper (coarse grind)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing an optimal roasting environment for broccoli transformation.
2. Broccoli Preparation: Dissect broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent texture and even cooking potential.
3. Seasoning Process: Arrange broccoli on a spacious baking tray, lavishly coating with olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly toss to guarantee complete and uniform seasoning coverage.
4. Roasting Stage: Position tray in preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes until broccoli develops golden, crispy edges with caramelized nuances.
5. Cheese Sauce Creation: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until slightly foamy, then introduce flour, stirring continuously to achieve a delicate golden roux.
6. Sauce Development: Reduce heat, gradually incorporate milk while whisking vigorously to maintain a silky smooth consistency, preventing any potential lumps.
7. Cheese Integration: Once sauce reaches desired thickness, fold in black pepper, parmesan, and cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and harmoniously blended.
8. Final Presentation: Extract roasted broccoli from oven, either drizzling cheese sauce directly over florets or serving separately as an indulgent accompanying dip.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Cut broccoli into similar-sized pieces for even roasting and consistent caramelization.
• Oil and Season Smartly: Generously coat broccoli with olive oil and spices to enhance flavor and prevent dryness.
• Watch Roasting Time: Keep an eye on broccoli in the oven – 25-30 minutes creates crispy edges without burning.
• Sauce Secrets: Whisk milk slowly into roux to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth cheese sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg