This cheese sauce for broccoli is made using shredded cheddar cheese, milk and just a few other simple ingredients for a crowd pleasing way to eat vegetables.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This cheese sauce for broccoli hits all the marks. It's creamy, cozy, and if you grew up on this like me, total nostalgia in a bowl. It's the easiest way to make vegetables irresistible to everyone in the family. It turns simple broccoli into something everyone actually wants to eat. The best part is that this sauce comes together in just minutes with everyday ingredients. It's delicious, comforting, and the perfect way to sneak in an extra serving of veggies without anyone complaining.

This is the cheese sauce l've been making forever, and it never lets me down. Its creamy, smooth, and ridiculously delicious every single time. I keep the ingredients simple and the steps easy, because that's how a good weeknight recipe should be. It's the kind of nostalgic, velvety cheese sauce that actually sticks to the broccoli and makes everyone at the table go back for seconds. If you want a foolproof, crowd pleasing way to make vegetables taste amazing, this is the recipe you'll come back to again and agian.

Ingredients

Here are all the things that you'll need to make this delicious cheese sauce. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements in the recipe card below.

Broccoli Florets- Brings a tender, crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy cheese.
Unsalted Butter- Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning yourself.
Flour- When mixed with the flour, it creates a rich, velvety base.
Milk- Gives the sauce its creamy, smooth texture.
Cheddar Cheese- The star of the dish! It brings the bold, sharp flavor to the cheesy, rich sauce
Salt- Enhances all the flavors.
Pepper- Cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Garlic powder-Adds a mild, mellow flavor that boosts the flavor of the sauce without over powering it.

Instructions

Here's how to make this delicious cheese sauce for broccoli along with some notes from me. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions in the recipe card below.

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli. Let that boil for about 4 minutes or until the broccoli is soft.

NOTES: Boiling the broccoli for 2 minutes will give you a crisp and tender result. 3-4 minutes will make the broccoli soft but it will still hold its shape

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter and whisk the flour in. Continue whisking over medium heat high heat for 2- 3 minutes.

NOTE: Don't rush the whisking in of the four, you need to be sure to cook out the raw flour taste.

Now, slowly whisk in the milk and season it with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Turn the heat to low and whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, until all the cheese is melted into the sauce.

PRO TIP: Add some more milk, a table spoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.

PRO TIP: Make sure to shred the cheese yourself and avoid the pre-shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.

Once the broccoli is done, strain it and lightly season the florets with salt and pepper. Finally plate the broccoli and pour the cheese sauce on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

cheese sauce with broccoli over a baked potato

What To Serve This With

This dish is amazing along side any kind of protein like Baked Chicken Leg Quarters or Old Fashioned Meatloaf. I actually love to serve this over a big, roasted baked potato.

How Can I Avoid It From Getting Grainy

Graininess usually happens when the cheese gets too hot. Make sure the stove heat is on low or turn it off completely. Also, be sure to add the cheese slowly.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you absolutely can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just steam or boil it until tender, drain well, then top it with the cheese sauce.

What Kind Of Cheese Can I Use?

Cheddar melts beautify and give this sauce its rich flavor, but you can mix in some Monterey Jack, Colby or even a little parmesan for an extra pumch.

Storage

You can store this sauce in an air tight container for 3-4 days. Just reheat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave and add a splash of milk if thickens up too much. Pour it over the broccoli once its warm and the consistency you like.