Description
This creamy, rich cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over steamed or cooked broccoli, adding a deliciously cheesy flavor that complements the vegetable beautifully. Made with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, this sauce is easy to prepare and enhances any broccoli dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ tsp onion powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Add Flour: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, whisk in the flour thoroughly to form a roux, cooking it just enough to remove any raw flour taste but not letting it brown.
- Incorporate Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and thickened base for your cheese sauce.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the optional onion powder and garlic powder along with salt and a pinch of pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the sauce.
- Mix in Cheese Off Heat: Remove the pot from heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the cheese sauce and add more salt if necessary to balance the flavors to your preference.
- Serve: Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over cooked broccoli and serve immediately for a comforting side dish.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, grate the cheese finely before adding.
- Use whole milk for creaminess; you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, gently rewarm and whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it.
- The optional onion and garlic powders add depth without overpowering the cheese flavor.
- This sauce can also be used over other steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or pasta.
