Are you tired of bland, boring vegetable side dishes that nobody wants to eat? Get ready to transform broccoli from a dreaded dinner item into a crowd-pleasing sensation with this mouthwatering Baked Broccoli and Cheese recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a creamy, crispy, and utterly delicious dish that will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds. This American-style comfort food combines the nutritional power of broccoli with the irresistible allure of melted cheddar cheese, making healthy eating a true pleasure.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure proper roasting.
- Place the broccoli florets in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single even layer to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended and smooth.
- Pour the cheese and milk mixture evenly over the broccoli florets, ensuring all pieces are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the broccoli, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Distribute the breadcrumbs evenly across the surface of the cheese-covered broccoli to create a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pat your broccoli completely dry to ensure crispy, roasted edges instead of soggy florets.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- For extra crunch, consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - you want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute milk with low-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
