This quick and easy recipe combines crisp-tender blanched broccoli with a creamy, flavorful cheese dipping sauce. It’s a versatile dish that allows for flexibility with common ingredients, making it both convenient and delicious. Serve it as an appetizer or a nutritious snack to enjoy the delightful contrast between the cool, crunchy broccoli and the warm, velvety cheese sauce.
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups grated mild Cheddar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Cajun spice
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- Black pepper
How To Make Blanched Broccoli And Cheese Dipping Sauce
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the broccoli florets and cook for 30 seconds. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Add the grated Cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese to the sauce; stir until both are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, Cajun spice, mustard powder, and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the hot cheese sauce into a serving bowl; arrange the blanched broccoli florets on a platter around the cheese sauce. Enjoy by dipping the broccoli into the warm cheese sauce.
Recipe Tips:
- Use Fresh, Firm Broccoli: Select broccoli with tight, green florets and firm stems for the best texture and flavor.
- Proper Blanching Technique: Boil the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve color and crunch.
- Prepare a Smooth Cheese Sauce: Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a roux, and cook briefly. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens.
- Grate Cheese Freshly: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, as additives in pre-packaged cheese can hinder smooth melting.
- Season to Enhance Flavor: Incorporate spices like mustard powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to add depth to the cheese sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and flavorful dip.
How To Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the broccoli and cheese sauce cool to room temperature. Store the broccoli in an airtight container and the cheese sauce in a separate airtight container. Keep both in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Place the cheese sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and warmed through.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 472
- Total Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
- Sodium: 667 mg
- Potassium: 548 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6 g
- Sugars: 10 g
- Protein: 22 g
Check out More Recipes:
Blanched Broccoli And Cheese Dipping Sauce
Description
This quick and easy recipe combines crisp-tender blanched broccoli with a creamy, flavorful cheese dipping sauce. It’s a versatile dish that allows for flexibility with common ingredients, making it both convenient and delicious. Serve it as an appetizer or a nutritious snack to enjoy the delightful contrast between the cool, crunchy broccoli and the warm, velvety cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the broccoli florets and cook for 30 seconds. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Add the grated Cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese to the sauce; stir until both are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, Cajun spice, mustard powder, and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the hot cheese sauce into a serving bowl; arrange the blanched broccoli florets on a platter around the cheese sauce. Enjoy by dipping the broccoli into the warm cheese sauce.
Notes
- Use Fresh, Firm Broccoli: Select broccoli with tight, green florets and firm stems for the best texture and flavor.
Proper Blanching Technique: Boil the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve color and crunch.
Prepare a Smooth Cheese Sauce: Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a roux, and cook briefly. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens.
Grate Cheese Freshly: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, as additives in pre-packaged cheese can hinder smooth melting.
Season to Enhance Flavor: Incorporate spices like mustard powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to add depth to the cheese sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and flavorful dip.
Blanched Broccoli And Cheese Dipping Sauce