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Broccoli and Cheese is a quick and easy side dish recipe that even your kids will devour! After all, the smooth and creamy homemade Velveeta cheese sauce dresses up just about any vegetables or potatoes, making them a delicious and flavorful addition to your next meal.

Close up side shot of broccoli and velveeta cheese sauce in a bowl

Velveeta Broccoli and Cheese

Broccoli and cheese are truly a match made in heaven! Whether you combine these two ingredients in a soup, for a casserole, in a salad, or stuffed in a potato, this popular combination never disappoints. A creamy Velveeta cheese sauce for broccoli is the best way to encourage your family members to eat something green, or to just mix it up if you’re tired of boring steamed broccoli! The quick, versatile side dish is delicious alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, meatloaf and pork chops.

The Best Cheese for Cheese Sauce

I always use Velveeta cheese to make this creamy, cheesy sauce, but you can substitute with another similar brand of American cheese. American cheese is a type of processed “cheese” made from cheddar, Colby, or other similar cheeses. It has a mild, creamy and salty flavor, a low melting point, and blends smoothly into sauces — making it ideal for this recipe. You can substitute with grated cheddar, but I find that the Velveeta melts best and creates the smoothest sauce.

How to Make Broccoli and Cheese

This easy side dish comes together in about 15 minutes from start to finish! While the broccoli steams, you’ll whisk together the sauce on the stovetop. That’s about as simple as it gets…

Ingredients

  • Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen will both work)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Milk
  • American cheese

How to Steam Broccoli — The Easy Way

First, steam the broccoli florets. While you can do so in a steamer basket on the stovetop, I think it’s even easier to steam the broccoli in the microwave. Just place the florets in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water, cover, and microwave on HIGH for 6-8 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain the liquid from the broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and then transfer to a serving dish.

Bowl of steamed broccoli

Prepare Velveeta Cheese Sauce

While the broccoli is cooking, whisk together the cheese sauce on the stovetop.

Process shot showing how to make velveeta cheese sauce for broccoli and cauliflower

Spoon Cheese Over Broccoli

Top the cooked broccoli with the creamy cheese and serve!

Pouring cheese sauce on top of steamed broccoli

What meat goes well with broccoli and cheese sauce?

This easy and versatile side dish goes well with almost any of your favorite meat entrees. Here are a few options to try:

More Ways to Use the Cheese Sauce

This cheese sauce is delicious on almost any of your favorite vegetables — not just broccoli. Spoon it over cauliflower, green beans, asparagus and baked potatoes. Serve the sauce for dipping with soft pretzels, use it on tortilla chips to make nachos, or spoon it on a hot roast beef sandwich or French Dip!

Horizontal shot of a bowl of broccoli and cheese

Recipe Variations

  • For an even faster shortcut and one less dish to clean, purchase a package of frozen steam-in-bag broccoli florets. Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions, season with salt and pepper, and top with the homemade cheese sauce.
  • Roast the broccoli in the oven instead of steaming. To do so, toss the florets in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet in a 450 degree F oven until crisp-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Finish with the cheese sauce.
  • Season the broccoli with additional herbs or spices before adding the cheese sauce. Garlic powder, all-purpose seasoning, Cajun seasoning, thyme, parsley, oregano or chives would all be delicious.

Tips for the Best Broccoli and Cheese Recipe

  • Cut the broccoli florets into uniform bite-size pieces so that they cook evenly in the same amount of time.
  • Keep the cheese sauce warm and stir regularly until ready to use. The sauce starts to firm up as it cools, so it’s not as smooth and creamy. Serve immediately, if possible.
  • Use American cheese (such as Velveeta brand) for the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce.
Velveeta broccoli and cheese in a bowl with a serving spoon

More Vegetable Sides to Try

Close up side shot of broccoli and velveeta cheese sauce in a bowl

Broccoli and Cheese

5 from 4 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 13 minutes
Servings 4 – 6 people
Calories 146 kcal
A quick and easy side dish recipe that even your kids will devour!

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 6 ounces American cheese (such as Velveeta), cut into small cubes or grated

Instructions

  • Place broccoli florets in a large microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 6-8 minutes, or just until crisp-tender. Drain; season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens and bubbles. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese; cook, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  • Place steamed broccoli in a serving bowl and top with cheese sauce.

Notes

This cheese sauce is delicious on almost any of your favorite vegetables — not just broccoli. Spoon it over cauliflower, green beans, asparagus and baked potatoes. Use the sauce for dipping with soft pretzels, add some spicy seasoning and use it on tortilla chips to make nachos, or spoon it on a hot roast beef sandwich or French Dip!

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the broccoli and sauceCalories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 522mgPotassium: 345mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 813IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 238mgIron: 1mg
Keyword: broccoli and cheese, broccoli and cheese sauce, velveeta broccoli and cheese
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan
blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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Comments

      1. Hi Emily,
        We have found that Velveeta cheese melts the best, but you could use American or grated Cheddar instead.

  1. 5 stars
    The cheese sauce is the bomb! So easy! I added some bacon and a little Slap Yo Mamma. I steamed the broccoli in my Always Pan. Thanks for a great recipe!