Quick Broccoli and Cheese

This quick broccoli and cheese recipe takes just 10 minutes and uses a simple method for tender, gooey, cheesy broccoli. It’s an easy side dish the whole family will love!

Is there anything more comforting than broccoli smothered in Parmesan and cheddar? Here’s my perfect broccoli and cheese recipe, aka cheesy broccoli. Alex whipped this up for me and one bite in, memories from childhood flooded back. “What’s in this?” I asked.

This cheesy broccoli has just the right nuanced flavor from the Parmesan and cheddar cheese, the best tender texture, and the perfect warming vibe. Even better, it’s done in under 10 minutes! It quickly became part of my regular rotation and I hope it will in yours, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Broccoli

This broccoli and cheese recipe is designed for quick weeknights, when you need a great side dish to pair with your meal. Most nights I make this pan fried broccoli, but when I’m feeling fancy I whip this one out. It’s always a hit with kids, but perhaps more so with adults. Here’s a quick run-down of the ingredients:

Fresh broccoli: I don’t recommend frozen here. Don’t be shy about leaving some stem attached to your florets: the stems have great flavor. If you’re using the instructions from my guide on how to cut broccoli, aim for medium-sized florets.
Olive oil: This hearty healthy oil is the fat for sautéing. You could substitute with avocado oil or butter if you prefer.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This is the secret ingredient! Use the powdery, finely grated type, not shredded Parmesan. It melts more smoothly and makes a better consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild works too. Pre-shredded is convenient, but I do find that freshly shredded from a block melts better into the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

You might think that broccoli and cheese is as simple as throwing broccoli in a pan, adding cheese, and cooking. Well, it’s partially that simple! Broccoli can get dry when pan frying it, so often you’ll need a little water for cooking. Here’s what to know:

Step 1: Chop your broccoli into medium florets: remember to keep some of that tasty stem attached.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and salt and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Parmesan and shredded cheddar, then add ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the skillet and cover with a lid. This makes steam that melts the cheese and finishes cooking the broccoli in just 1 minute.

That’s it! Remove the lid and you’ve got a gooey, warm pile of cheesy broccoli. Even better: you don’t have to wait to bake a casserole! It’s done in less than 10 minutes: perfect for hangry moments.

7 Perfect Pairings for Broccoli and Cheese

This side dish is very versatile and works with countless main courses. Here are my favorite combinations:

Chicken breast: Try my grilled chicken, baked chicken, or pan seared chicken breast
Pan-seared salmon or other fish: Try it alongside salmon burgers, honey garlic shrimp, or any of my favorite salmon recipes or seafood recipes
Pasta dishes: Serve alongside easy tortelloni or pesto gnocchi
Burgers: A classic pairing that always satisfies
Roasted chicken thighs: The dark meat of baked chicken thighs or grilled chicken thighs pairs well with cheesy vegetables
As part of a vegetable plate: Combine with pan fried potatoes, canned chickpeas, and a salad for a vegetarian dinner

Storage and Reheating

You can store leftover broccoli and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese will firm up as it cools.

To reheat, I like to use a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water. Cover and steam for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a rush, microwave on medium power in 10 to 15-second intervals, stirring between each.

Dietary Notes

This broccoli and cheese recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want a more classic cheese sauce?

Go to this Cheese Sauce or Cheddar Cheese Sauce.

What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of your favorites.

How do I reheat leftover cheesy broccoli?

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the cheese can become rubbery.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can use frozen broccoli, but the texture will be softer and less appealing than fresh broccoli. Reduce the cook time by about half.