Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Sauce

I've never been one to add sauces to my veggies because I love vegetables and don't think they need to be covered in sauce just to get people to eat them.

When I was growing up I ate most of the vegetable out there and really enjoyed them while I did.

But the one veggie that I really didn't like so much was broccoli.  I don't know why, I just didn't.

So when I was pregnant with my son, I was surprised to find that I started to like broccoli (and strawberries, but that's another story) and now I eat it on a regular basis.

I decided to see what all the fanfare was about putting cheese sauce on your broccoli and make a batch of homemade cheddar cheese sauce a few weeks ago.

OH MY GOODNESS!  Why didn't someone tell me to do this years ago?!  It was so delicious!  I've been making it ever since (a few weeks realistically) and the kids love it too!

Here's what you need:

2 Tbs. butter, unsalted
2 Tbs. flour, all purpose
1-1/2 cups whole milk, any % fat will work fine
2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated

To make a sauce we start with a roux which is the thickening for the sauce. In a pan heat the butter and flour over medium high until it starts to bubble then cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

 

Add the milk and continue to stir while cooking on medium high until it thickens.  

 

You will know when it is done when you can run your finger through the sauce on the back of a spoon and it leaves the clean track you made with your finger.

Add the cheese, stirring until it is completely incorporated and smooth.

 

 Salt & pepper to taste.

 

How simple was that?! Look at this wonderful sauce!  No go make a batch for your family too.

To cook the broccoli, I use my Pampered Chef Micro bowl and steam a bunch for about 4 minutes until just tender.

Enjoy!

Serves - 2 - 2-1/2 cups sauce

Here's the handy printable - Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Sauce