Cheese Sauce For Broccoli
A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole with mushrooms and a crispy almond topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion in margarine until tender.
- Blend in flour, salt, dry mustard, MSG, and hot pepper sauce.
- Add milk and chicken bouillon cubes.
- Stir over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Add a little of the heated sauce to the beaten egg yolks to temper them.
- Stir the egg mixture back into the sauce.
- Add grated cheese; stir until melted.
- Add sliced mushrooms.
- Pour the sauce over broccoli in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with slivered almonds and paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat margarine and cheese. If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, vegetable bouillon can be a great substitute. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce. Ensure constant stirring while thickening to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture. This cheese sauce works well with other vegetables, making it versatile for dishes similar to Rice Broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese sauce is perfect over steamed broccoli but can also be used with cauliflower or asparagus for a delightful twist. Consider serving it alongside baked meats such as chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or can be used to elevate dishes like Chicken Tetrazzini Bake. For a complete meal, add crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly as it may cause the cheese to separate. This ensures your cheese sauce remains smooth and delicious for your next meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Sauce For Broccoli contains roughly 1442 calories, with 36g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (182% of the Daily Value), iron (145% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1276mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat gently and add a bit of milk to maintain the sauce's creamy texture. This allows for quick assembly when you're ready to serve it over broccoli or other vegetables.
What types of cheese work best in this recipe?
While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for varied flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain a smooth consistency in the sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the cheese sauce, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure to check the labels on your bouillon cubes to ensure they are gluten-free as well, and enjoy a deliciously creamy sauce without the gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).