Oh, cheesy broccoli—where have you been all my life? Seriously, this dish is the ultimate comfort food! Its creamy texture just wraps around those tender broccoli florets, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; my little nephew couldn’t get enough! He kept asking for “more green trees,” and let me tell you, it made my heart so happy. Whether you’re serving it as a delightful side or making it the star of your meal, cheesy broccoli is sure to please everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time means you can whip this up in just 10 minutes!
Rich, creamy flavor that makes vegetables practically irresistible.
Nutritious ingredients packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh broccoli.
Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course.
Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or additional veggies.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli

Let’s gather everything we need to make this cheesy delight! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Using fresh broccoli gives that vibrant color and crunch!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This is where the magic happens—sharp and melty!
1/2 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy texture that brings it all together.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice depth of flavor and a touch of sophistication.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A little kick of garlic enhances everything beautifully!
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season to your liking for maximum yumminess!

These ingredients blend perfectly to create a cheesy broccoli dish that you won’t want to miss out on!

How to Prepare Cheesy Broccoli

Getting your cheesy broccoli ready is super easy and oh-so-satisfying! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because a hot oven ensures that your cheese melts to perfection! While that’s warming up, steam your fresh broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until they’re tender but still have a little crunch. You want them vibrant and green! In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, add your steamed broccoli and gently toss to coat every little floret. Once everything is mixed, transfer it to a baking dish. Finally, sprinkle that glorious cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top, and you’re ready to bake! Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes, and you’ll be greeted with bubbling, golden cheesy broccoli bliss!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
Steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender. You want them to maintain their crunch!
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s well blended.
Add the steamed broccoli to the bowl and gently mix everything together, ensuring the florets are evenly coated.
Transfer the creamy broccoli mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Don’t hold back here!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

To make sure your cheesy broccoli turns out perfectly every time, here are some golden tips! First, use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture—frozen just won’t give you that satisfying crunch. If you want to mix it up, try adding a splash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick! Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses; mozzarella or Gruyère can add a delightful twist. Lastly, keep an eye on it while it bakes—ovens vary, and you want that cheese just bubbly enough without overcooking your broccoli. Happy cooking!

Variations of Cheesy Broccoli

One of the best parts about cheesy broccoli is how easily you can customize it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar for some creamy mozzarella or tangy feta—each brings its own unique flavor to the dish. Want to sneak in more veggies? Go ahead and toss in some diced bell peppers, fresh spinach, or even cauliflower florets for added color and nutrition. You could also sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top for a savory crunch! The sky’s the limit, so let your imagination run wild while keeping that creamy, cheesy goodness at the heart of it all!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just place your cheesy broccoli in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain that delightful cheesy texture. You can also microwave it for a quicker option, but be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to cheesy broccoli, you’ll want to know what’s on your plate! Here’s a typical nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 200
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. Enjoying cheesy broccoli not only satisfies your cravings but also packs in some nutrition!

FAQ About Cheesy Broccoli

Got questions about making cheesy broccoli? I’ve got you covered! Here are some commonly asked ones:

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using, so your dish doesn’t get watery.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give your cheesy broccoli a nice kick!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Is cheesy broccoli suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s totally vegetarian-friendly, making it a great addition to any meatless meal!

Cheesy Broccoli: 7 Comforting Ways to Delight Your Tastebuds

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and creamy cheesy broccoli dish that is perfect as a side or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes.
In a bowl, combine cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the steamed broccoli to the bowl and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for best results.
Adjust cheese types based on your preference.
Can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cheesy broccoli, broccoli cheese, baked broccoli

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