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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing an optimal roasting environment for broccoli transformation.
- Broccoli Preparation: Dissect broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent texture and even cooking potential.
- 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.
- Roasting Stage: Position tray in preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes until broccoli develops golden, crispy edges with caramelized nuances.
- 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.
- Sauce Development: Reduce heat, gradually incorporate milk while whisking vigorously to maintain a silky smooth consistency, preventing any potential lumps.
- Cheese Integration: Once sauce reaches desired thickness, fold in black pepper, parmesan, and cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and harmoniously blended.
- 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