• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Learn how food affects your body. Get Free Nutrition Info Today

the-lean-green-bean-logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Kids
  • Resources
    • Ebooks
    • Food Prep
    • Videos
    • Snack Round-Ups
    • Gift Guides
  • About
    • Become An RD
    • Work With Me
  • Search
the-lean-green-bean-logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Kids
  • Resources
    • Ebooks
    • Food Prep
    • Videos
    • Snack Round-Ups
    • Gift Guides
  • About
    • Become An RD
    • Work With Me
  • Search

Cheesy Broccoli

April 28, 2025 by Lindsay 36 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that’s ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

easy cheddar cheese sauce over broccoli

*Originally published 8/2014. Updated 4/2025*

Hi Friends!

Today I’m sharing a simple cheese sauce for broccoli that the whole family will love! Recently my 8 year old has started eating broccoli. While she doesn’t yet enjoy it raw or roasted, she will eat a few pieces of steamed broccoli with her dinner. I’ve been looking for ways to make it a bit more exciting since we have yet to find a salad dressing she loves.

Enter cheese sauce! This traditional cheese sauce for broccoli is the perfect way to make broccoli, or other vegetables, more appealing to kids! This recipe is easy to make and super versatile so you can make a batch and serve some with veggies and some with chips!

If you’re looking for more ways to use broccoli check out these 20+ Easy Broccoli Recipes. And find even more ideas in this post for Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes.

Quick cheese sauce for broccoli ingredients

To make this simple sauce you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Flour – You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
  • Milk – I use 2%
  • Cheddar cheese – use your preference of mild, medium or sharp
  • Seasonings – salt and garlic powder

How to make cheesy broccoli

To make this recipe:

  • Melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle with flour.
  • Slowly add milk, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add cheese, garlic powder and salt.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Serve with broccoli prepared however you like it- steamed, roasted, sauteed, etc.

steamed broccoli dipped in simple cheese sauce

Can you make this a no butter cheese sauce?

Yes! In fact when I originally posted this recipe years ago, I used olive oil instead of butter and it works great!

Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes

If you’re looking for more kid-friendly recipes, check out this post: Quick & Easy Vegetable Recipes. Or try these Maple Glazed Carrots – just omit or decrease the hot sauce.


Broccoli Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Print

Cheesy Broccoli

cheesy broccoli with simple cheese sauce
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 1 review

This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that’s ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

  • Author: Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Tbsp flour (you can use gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (i use medium cheddar)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (more if needed)
  • broccoli prepared as you like it!

Instructions

  1. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine.
  3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add cheese and spices.
  5. Stir until melted and let thicken 2-3 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve with or pour over vegetables and serve immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram


Cheesy broccoli FAQs:

Can I make cheese sauce for broccoli without milk?

The milk is a critical ingredient in this particular recipe. If you’re looking for low lactose, cheddar cheese is naturally low in lactose and you can use lactose-free milk.

What’s a good substitute for butter in cheese sauce?

You can substitute oil for butter in this recipe.

How do you make a light cheese sauce for vegetables?

To lighten this recipe a bit, use skim milk. I don’t like using low-fat cheese in sauces but you could try. You could also try this Skinny Cheese Sauce from Cabot.

cheesy broccoli for picky eaters

Can I use plant based milk in cheese sauce?

Although I haven’t tried it myself, you could try replacing the cow’s milk in this recipe with soy or almond milk. Or try this creamy vegan cheese sauce or this easy vegan nacho cheese sauce.

What’s the best cheese to use for broccoli cheese sauce?

Cheddar cheese is used in many traditional cheese sauce recipes. You could also try Gouda, Fontina or Asiago or even Colby Jack for a more mild flavor.

How can I thicken cheese sauce without flour?

You can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if you don’t want to use flour. Or try this Easy Flourless Cheese Sauce or this Creamy White Cheese Sauce without Flour.

Can I meal prep cheesy broccoli in advance?

I do find this cheese sauce is best served immediately after making. To save time, you could prepare the broccoli in advance and then quickly whip up the cheese sauce when it’s time to eat.

How do I reheat broccoli with cheese sauce?

If you’re going to reheat the cheese sauce, I would not drizzle it on the broccoli. Save what you don’t eat separately in a glass container and then reheat at half power in the microwave, stirring frequently.


Cheesy Broccoli – Perfect for picky eaters!

This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that's ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

What to serve with cheesy broccoli

If you’re looking for main dishes that pair well with cheesy broccoli, try:

  • Avocado Chicken Burgers
  • Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken
  • Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

table talk series
LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Enter your email here ...

Filed Under: Side Dish Tagged With: Broccoli, Cheese, Milk

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    August 14, 2014 at 1:37 AM

    I’m totally trying this / I love love love all cheese and cheese sauces and this looks really easy!

    Reply
  2. Polly @ Tasty Food Project says

    August 14, 2014 at 2:43 AM

    I’m such a big cheese lover and always like have cheese with broccoli! This looks so delicious!

    Reply
  3. Shelley says

    August 14, 2014 at 4:05 AM

    I like the olive oil idea! It makes the recipe lighter than usual cheese sauces!

    Reply
  4. Maryea {happy healthy mama} says

    August 14, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Cheese sauce over broccoli brings me back to my childhood. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 8:00 AM

      haha it’s a childhood memory for my hubby too!

      Reply
    • Courtnay Power says

      May 26, 2016 at 10:22 AM

      Some spices or herbs would match well with the cheese

      Like chili powder, etc

      Reply
      • Lindsay says

        May 26, 2016 at 8:58 PM

        I agree. I like to use spicy hummus for a spice factor but if I use plain, I think paprika would be great!

        Reply
  5. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    August 14, 2014 at 6:38 AM

    As though broccoli couldn’t get any better…..love it.

    Reply
  6. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    August 14, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    Yumm! Nothing goes better with broccoli than cheese! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    August 14, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    Kyle LOVES cheesey broccoli – but his family always made it with Velveeta. We’ll need to try this!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:59 AM

      major upgrade 😉

      Reply
  8. Tina@GottaRunNow says

    August 14, 2014 at 8:48 AM

    Brocolli and cheese are a perfect pairing!

    Reply
  9. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

    August 14, 2014 at 8:51 AM

    I love, love, love broccoli; although, Justin isn’t always a fan. I think if I smothered it in cheese though, he may change his mind! 😉 Sounds wonderful!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:59 AM

      sounds like a perfect plan to me!

      Reply
  10. Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says

    August 14, 2014 at 9:00 AM

    I always use butter for cheese sauce too – I’ve never even though to use olive oil! This looks great though!

    Reply
  11. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    August 14, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    One of my families favorites!! Total comfort food!

    Reply
  12. kristin says

    August 14, 2014 at 9:11 AM

    yum! i do love me some EVOO.

    Reply
  13. Francesca says

    August 14, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    Preparing for motherhood–how to get the kiddos to eat veggies 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:59 AM

      you know it girl!

      Reply
  14. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    August 14, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    There is no better way to eat broccoli 🙂

    Reply
  15. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    August 14, 2014 at 10:49 AM

    This looks delicious! I was just saying yesterday night how my favorite way to eat broccoli is with cheese! haha

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:59 AM

      perfect timing!

      Reply
  16. Emily @ Zen & Spice says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:14 AM

    I haven’t had broccoli and cheese in so long! Totally going to try this.

    Reply
  17. Kimberly Henricks-Friedhoff says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    Umm … yum!

    I love broccoli with cheese sauce … can’t wait to try your version!

    Reply
  18. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:49 AM

    i will have to try that…does it have olive taste though?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:58 AM

      not that i noticed! i used a very light flavored olive oil. i just tasted cheese 🙂

      Reply
  19. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says

    August 14, 2014 at 12:43 PM

    Oh, that cheese sauce looks so good!

    Reply
  20. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    August 14, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    Looks great. I wonder if you could use almond milk and Daiya for a vegan (lactose free) version.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 15, 2014 at 7:58 AM

      never know til you try!

      Reply
  21. Matt @ Runner Savvy says

    August 14, 2014 at 8:04 PM

    I love broccoli with cheese 🙂

    Reply
  22. Cassie says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:16 PM

    Yum, I would have never thought of using olive oil in a cheesy sauce… great idea!

    Reply
  23. Suzy Rawsome says

    July 28, 2017 at 2:42 PM

    I made this last night but with a couple of substitutions for me:

    I sauteed half a small onion and 2 cloves of garlic (finely diced) instead of powder
    I used Havarti Cheese

    It was sooo good! Glad I found this recipe for a butter-less sauce before the others cause my family couldn’t get enough!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 30, 2017 at 9:12 PM

      awesome! so glad to hear it!

      Reply
  24. Liz says

    August 26, 2019 at 5:18 AM

    I allso added mustard +3 different types of onions ,love my cheese sauces

    Reply
  25. Deb Andersren says

    August 27, 2022 at 1:13 PM

    I just made this cheese sauce for college football game-time nachos (Go Huskers!; playing in Ireland against Northwestern). The sauce tastes great! I used an 8 oz block of roasted tomato/black pepper Cheddar/Gruyere (grated at home). I had to adjust the milk quantity significantly, adding at least another cup to get the sauce to the “thick” stage for a cheesy bechamel. If you prefer a thinner cheese sauce, consider a different ratio fat:flour:milk. The ratio for typical smooth bechamel is 2:2:1 (fat:flour:milk). Like I said, this cheese sauce is very tasty, plus it skips the butter in favor of heart healthy olive oil which leaves you a little wiggle room for using a great cheese (not so heart healthy)! My husband loved it!

    Thanks, Lindsay!

    Reply
  26. Remini says

    May 24, 2025 at 1:27 AM

    Cheesy broccoli just became our favorite veggie side—quick, easy, delicious.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Primary Sidebar

Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

Learn More →

Questions? Comments? Email me: [email protected]

The Lean Green Bean Facebook The Lean Green Bean Instagram The Lean Green Bean Pinterest The Lean Green Bean Twitter The Lean Green Bean Feed
footer-logo
The Lean Green Bean Facebook The Lean Green Bean Instagram The Lean Green Bean Pinterest The Lean Green Bean Twitter The Lean Green Bean Feed
Recipes

Breakfast
Dinner
Snack
Slow Cooker

Kids

Cooking With Kids
Favorite Gifts
Toddler Meals
Indoor Activities

Resources

Easy Packed Lunches for Kids
Dinner Spark
Snack Spark
Ultimate Guide to Food Prep

About

Meet Lindsay
Become an RD
Work with Me

The Lean Green Bean is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Read the full privacy and disclosure policy here.

Copyright © 2022 · The Lean Green Bean

table talk series

Learn how food affects your body.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

[email protected]