With a simple method and a creamy, cheesy flavor, this Cheese Sauce for Broccoli makes eating veggies so much more delicious! Try this as an easy side dish or snack to share with the kids.
My favorite thing to remember when making vegetable recipes for kids is that we have to really do our best to make sure the vegetables taste really good. I know that sounds obvious, but we often serve really bland veggies…and then are surprised when no one wants to eat them!
This cheese sauce is a perfect complement for cooked broccoli, whether served as a dip or drizzled on top. It takes minutes to make and can be reheated, too.
It’s become one of the best ways I know to increase broccoli consumption in my house, and I hope it helps do the same in yours!
(You might also like Cauliflower Cheese Sauce, which has blended veggies right in the cheese sauce itself, and my Cheese Dip for Pretzels, which is also a yummy option!)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this Cheese Sauce for Broccoli so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Butter: I keep unsalted butter in my kitchen so that’s what I use here to get the sauce started. Salted butter also works just fine.
- Flour: A little all purpose flour helps to thicken the Cheese Sauce.
- Milk: I prefer using whole milk in this recipe, but a lower-fat milk would also work.
- Cheddar cheese: Plan to grate cheddar cheese, either yellow or white, on a handheld grater or box grater to ensure it melts into the milk mixture easily. You can use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor or a mild cheddar cheese to make the flavor a little milder.
- Salt: We add a little salt to the cheese dip for pretzels to ensure that all of the flavors come out and shine through.
- Broccoli: This sauce is best with cooked (not raw) broccoli. You can steam it, make Boiled Broccoli, or try Roasted Broccoli.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Cheese Sauce for Broccoli so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Grate the cheese using a handheld grater or a box grater.
Step 2. Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Quickly whisk in the flour to make a smooth mixture.
Step 3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continually, until you see bubbles around the edges.
Step 4. Stir in the cheese and salt, and whisk until the cheese melts into a thick sauce. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use it as a dip for any vegetable, you can serve it with chicken nuggets or pretzel bites, or you can simply serve it with any food that sounds appealing!
Yes, though plan to heat it slowly so you can stop to stir as it warms. And if it is still very thick after warming, stir in a little milk to help.
I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese so the dip is extra flavorful, though you can use any type of cheddar cheese you prefer.
How to Store
Store leftover Cheese Sauce for Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm in a heat-safe bowl in 15 second increments in the microwave, stirring as you go. Or, reheat on the stove in a small pot over low heat.
Best Tips for Success
- Use a gluten-free all purpose flour to make this Cheese Sauce gluten-free.
- Expect the sauce to thicken as it cools.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, Boiled Broccoli, or Roasted Broccoli. Or, it works with other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and peppers.
- Use yellow or white cheddar cheese grated on a box grater or handheld grater.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
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Add the butter to a small pot over low heat. When melted, quickly whisk in the flour to make a smooth mixture. (It will resemble a paste.)
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Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continually, to make a smooth consistency. Whisk while the milk mixture heats up until you see bubbles around the edges. Simmer for about 2 minutes, or until you can see that the milk has thickened.
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Remove the pot from the heat.
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Stir in the cheese and salt and whisk until the cheese melts into a thick sauce.
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Serve warm with prepared broccoli.
- Store leftover Cheese Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm in a heat-safe bowl in 15-second increments in the microwave, stirring as you go. Or, reheat on the stove in a small pot over low heat.
- Expect the sauce to thicken as it cools.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, Boiled Broccoli, or Roasted Broccoli.
- Use yellow or white cheddar cheese grated on a box grater or handheld grater.
- Use a gluten-free all purpose flour to make this Cheese Sauce gluten-free.
Calories: 92kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 250mg, Potassium: 58mg, Fiber: 0.03g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 235IU, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 0.1mg