Tender broccoli, spiced melty cheese sauce, and grated cheddar come together in this Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe. Broccoli and Cheese Sauce is a side dish that compliments any protein.  This recipe is easy and delicious, and we will show you exactly how to make it!

This recipe was originally developed for Tillamook. It has since been rephotographed. All opinions are still my own, and I still use and love Tillamook cheese.

What Is Broccoli and Cheese Sauce?

This dish is inspired by a side served at Outback Steak House.  It is blanched broccoli topped with a spiced cheese sauce and shredded cheese, then baked until everything is warm and bubbly.  I know that many have an aversion to broccoli – but this combination will convert even the pickiest of eaters!

What Do I Need To Make Broccoli and Cheese Sauce?

You’ll need to add the following to your grocery list:

• 2 pounds broccolini or broccoli
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup addition shredded cheddar cheese for sprinkling on top

Tell Me How To Make It

Preparation: clean and prepare your broccolini or broccoli. Cut into florets or trim.

1. Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan and adding in flour. Whisk until fragrant.

2. While whisking pouring in 1 cup milk. Whisk until thickened.

3. Whisking 1 cup heavy whipping cream.

4. Stir in spices.

5. Stir in cheese until completely smooth.

Pro Tip: Grate your own cheese. Pre shredded cheese has an added ingredient that mades it gritty when melted.

6. Meanwhile Blanch your broccoli by brining a large pot of water to a boil and adding broccoli to it.  Cook for 1 minute and then drain.

7. Add broccoli to individual baking dishes and top with cheese sauce.

8. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese and bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or until bubbly.

The seasoning blend in the recipe really packs a punch.  They bring this dish up a notch from broccoli with cheese to cheesy delicious broccoli.  Serving them in individual casserole dishes is also a nice touch that makes dinner time extra special.  Like I said, the sauce is spiced, so if you or your family is sensitive to the spices, feel free to reduce the amounts.

Cheese Broccoli Q&A

How long does broccoli and cheese last?

You can store in your fridge in and airtight container for 3 days.

What Should I Serve Broccoli and Cheese Sauce With?

May I suggest?

• Thanksgiving Turkey
• Santa Maria Tri Tip
• Meatloaf

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Print

Cheese Broccoli // Outback Copycat

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

Tender broccoli, spiced melty cheese sauce, and grated cheddar come together in this Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe. Broccoli and Cheese Sauce is a side dish that compliments any protein.  This recipe is easy and delicious, and we will show you exactly how to make it!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baked Broccoli Cheese, broccoli and cheese sauce, Cheesy Broccoli

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 411 kcal

Author: Kadee

Ingredients

• 2 lbs broccolini or broccoli cleaned and chopped into florets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground red pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

1. In a saucepan melt butter. Add flour and whisk until combined. Cook until fragrant.
2. Add whipping cream and milk, continue to whisk until thickened.
3. Add 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese and spices, whisk until cheese is melted.
4. Meanwhile blanch your broccoli and drain.
5. Pour cheese sauce over broccoli
6. Transfer broccoli to small oven safe dishes. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Cheese Broccoli Q&A

Can I "Blanch" my broccoli in the microwave?

 

If you prefer to skip boiling water, you can use your microwave to "blanch" your broccoli.  Place it in a microwave safe dish, pour about a cup of water into the bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.  Microwave for 2 minutes.

 

What are the benefits of eating broccoli?

 

Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.

How long does broccoli and cheese last?

You can store in your fridge in and airtight container for 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Cheese Broccoli // Outback Copycat

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 411 Calories from Fat 297

% Daily Value*

Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 20g125%

Cholesterol 108mg36%

Sodium 448mg19%

Potassium 598mg17%

Carbohydrates 16g5%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 16g32%

Vitamin A 2217IU44%

Vitamin C 135mg164%

Calcium 415mg42%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.