Cheesy Broccoli Delight
Transform your broccoli into a creamy, comforting side dish that satisfies your cheesy cravings without sacrificing your health goals. This Cheesy Broccoli Delight combines tender, steamed fresh broccoli with a rich, flavorful cheese sauce made from nonfat milk and low-fat cheddar. Perfect for family dinners or as a healthy side for any meal, this recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence at just 2 points per serving. Whether you're looking to up your vegetable intake or simply love cheese, this dish elegantly balances both, making broccoli a true star. Feel free to customize the amount of broccoli to cater to your tastes and desired point values!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli florets
1 lb (Fresh, trimmed into florets)
Nonfat milk
1 1/2 cups (None)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (None)
Low-fat cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (None)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing 1 inch of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
2
2. Add the fresh broccoli florets to a steamer basket and carefully place it over the boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam until the broccoli is crisp-tender, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, drain the broccoli and return it to the pot.
3
3. Alternatively, you can cook the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Cover and microwave on high for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
4
4. While the broccoli is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the nonfat milk and flour until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
5
5. Once the mixture begins to thicken, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the saucepan from the heat once thickened.
6
6. Add the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese to the sauce gradually, whisking until completely melted and smooth.
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7. Stir in the Dijon mustard and salt, adjusting the salt to taste if necessary.
8
8. Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli, tossing gently until the florets are well coated.
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9. Serve warm, and enjoy this cheesy, wholesome dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Broccoli Delight?
Cheesy Broccoli Delight is a creamy and comforting side dish that combines tender steamed broccoli with a rich cheese sauce made from healthy ingredients.
How many Weight Watchers points are in a serving?
This recipe is designed to be healthy and contains just 2 Weight Watchers points per serving.
Is this broccoli recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Cheesy Broccoli Delight is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include broccoli florets, nonfat milk, all-purpose flour, low-fat cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and salt.
How much broccoli is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh broccoli florets.
How long should I steam the broccoli?
Steam the broccoli over boiling water for approximately 5 to 6 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
Can I cook the broccoli in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with a little water on high for 4 to 5 minutes.
What kind of milk is used in the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of nonfat milk to keep the dish low in calories and points.
How do I thicken the cheese sauce?
Whisk the flour into the milk and bring it to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Low-fat cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a rich flavor while maintaining health goals.
How much cheese is added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
When should the cheese be added to the sauce?
The cheese should be added gradually after the milk and flour mixture has thickened and been removed from the heat.
What gives the cheese sauce its extra flavor?
Dijon mustard and a bit of salt are added to the sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile.
How much Dijon mustard should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Is this dish considered a healthy side?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish and is specifically designed for low cholesterol diets.
How do I combine the broccoli and the sauce?
Pour the finished cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli and toss gently until all the florets are well coated.
Can I adjust the salt in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the 3/4 teaspoon of salt to your personal taste preference.
Is Cheesy Broccoli Delight an easy recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe that is perfect for family dinners.
Can I customize the amount of broccoli used?
Yes, you can customize the amount of broccoli to cater to your specific taste or point value needs.
What is the first step in making this dish?
The first step is bringing 1 inch of water to a rolling boil in a large pot for steaming.
Do I need to trim the broccoli?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 lb of fresh broccoli trimmed into florets.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 6 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Can this be served as a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that satisfies cheesy cravings without being unhealthy.
What should I do after the sauce thickens?
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese.
How much flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour as a thickening agent.
Is the broccoli drained after steaming?
Yes, once the broccoli is crisp-tender, you should drain it before adding the sauce.
What heat setting is used to boil the milk mixture?
The milk and flour mixture should be brought to a boil over medium-high heat.
How long does the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
Is this recipe suitable for weight loss?
Yes, with its low point value and healthy ingredients, it is a great choice for those following weight loss plans.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, it is best enjoyed when served warm immediately after tossing the broccoli in the sauce.