Description
A homemade copycat of Applebee’s Homestyle Cheezy Broccoli featuring tender-crisp broccoli florets topped with a rich garlic-seasoned cheddar cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Rinse broccoli under cold water and cut into uniform bite-sized florets.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add broccoli and blanch for about 60 seconds.
- Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- Drain and pat broccoli completely dry.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and add if a thicker sauce is desired.
- Place broccoli in a serving dish and pour cheese sauce over the top.
- Optional: Broil at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and always dry the broccoli well so the cheese sauce sticks properly. Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain a tender-crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: applebee's broccoli recipe, applebee's homestyle cheezy broccoli, broccoli cheddar side dish, restaurant copycat broccoli