Broccoli and Cheddar Savory Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a comforting, cheesy, and veggie-packed dish, then this Broccoli and Cheddar Savory Bake is your new best friend. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or as a standout side dish for gatherings. The combination of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar is simply irresistible!

Ingredients for Broccoli and Cheddar Savory Bake

Broccoli florets are the star, offering a nice crunch and nutritional boost. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, providing that signature tangy flavor. Olive oil adds a hint of richness to the topping. Whole milk creates a creamy sauce, while all-purpose flour helps thicken it. Butter is essential for the roux, giving the sauce a smooth texture. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhance all the flavors, and breadcrumbs provide a delightful crunch on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Don't skip the blanching step — it keeps the broccoli vibrant and slightly crunchy.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This bake pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted chicken for a complete meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside grilled meats at a barbecue for a comforting side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before using.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Broccoli and Cheddar Savory Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (that's about 190°C). While it's warming up, let's get those broccoli florets ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the broccoli and blanch them for just 3 minutes — this keeps them bright and crunchy. Drain and set aside.

Next, we make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux. This is the base for our sauce, so make sure it's smooth. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook it until the sauce thickens up a bit.

Now, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and watch it melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Time to assemble. In a baking dish, mix the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Drizzle with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You're looking for a golden, bubbly top. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour.
  • A great way to enjoy more veggies without sacrificing flavor.
  • Creamy, cheesy goodness that kids and adults will both enjoy.
  • Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

4 cups of broccoli florets
2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup of whole milk
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, add broccoli, and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until sauce thickens.
5. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fold in half of the shredded cheddar.
6. In a baking dish, combine broccoli with cheese sauce, mixing well.
7. Top with remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs evenly.
8. Drizzle olive oil over breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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