Cheese Sauce for Broccoli

This easy 7 Ingredient Cheese Sauce for Broccoli recipe is the recipe that will help picky eaters like vegetables! It is so simple to make and one secret tip keeps the cheese sauce smooth and never clumpy! It goes wonderfully with freshly steamed broccoli for that classic side dish everyone loves.

Broccoli Recipes for Picky Eaters

Do you remember years and years ago on that Broccoli Salad post where I chatted about Cade surprising me by cooking a delicious steak dinner and how that was the first time I ate and enjoyed broccoli? Ever since posting about that broccoli he made me, I have received a crazy amount of emails asking for the recipe for his broccoli cheese sauce.

I feel really guilty about taking so long to write about it but Cade never measures so it took some time to figure out exactly what the recipe was. So, without any further babbling, here it is. From the man who didn’t even eat it that first night because it wasn’t healthy and he didn’t eat junk. (I’ve since cured him of that. You’re welcome.)

Ingredients for Cheese Sauce with Broccoli

This is a no roux cheese sauce meaning we aren’t using flour or butter. Here is everything you’ll need:

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the sauce! Sharp cheddar will give the most bold cheesy flavor. Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself for the best meltiness.
• Cornstarch: Toss the grated cheese in cornstarch to help thicken the cheese sauce as the cheese melts. Cornstarch also helps with the emulsion of the cheese and milk. Flour can also be used, but by using cornstarch, you keep the sauce gluten free.
• Evaporated Milk: Acts as the base for the creamy cheese sauce and doesn’t have the heaviness or high fat of cream. It has less water than regular milk which helps the sauce be extra creamy.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Adds flavor and hint of warmth.
• Ground Mustard: Adds flavor that enhances the flavor the cheese. Mustard is also a great emulsifier which helps keep the sauce smooth.
• Broccoli: Using fresh broccoli florets is preferred. Frozen broccoli ends up soggy and don’t hold up to the cheese sauce very well.

How to Make Homemade Cheese Sauce

1. Toss: Add the grated cheese and cornstarch to a large bowl and toss together. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Combine: Add all the ingredients for the sauce over medium-low heat and stir to combine. Whisk until the cheese is melting and it comes to a soft boil. Then whisk constantly for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Serve: Pour over cooked broccoli with fresh cracked pepper.

The secret for smooth cheese sauce is all about the CHEESE…

First, buy a block of high quality cheese and grate it yourself. When you buy shredded cheese, it is coated in additives that keep it from melting and mixing together smoothly.

Second, sharp cheddar will gives you the best cheesy flavor. We also love this recipe with monterey jack.

Can Broccoli Be Roasted?

Broccoli is delicious when roasted. Toss broccoli florets in a little olive oil and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast without stirring until the edges are crispy and the stems are crisp-tender. (about 20 minutes). Then add the cheese sauce on top and serve!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. It will not freeze well, so I do not recommend that.

Reheat the cheese sauce on the stove top over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

Other Ways to Use Cheese Cause

This cheese sauce is also a great topping for baked potatoes, cauliflower, nachos, or soft pretzels.

If you’re having a hard time getting your kiddos to eat vegetables, cover them in melty, gooey, delicious cheese! Come to me with all your parenting questions, friends! I have all the answers! Ha! This cheese sauce for broccoli recipe is on repeat in our house!

Watch How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Sauce

More Tasty Vegetable Side Dishes: