Creamy Garlic Broccoli and Carrots Medley
Savor the delightful combination of tender broccoli florets and sweet baby carrots enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. This Creamy Garlic Broccoli and Carrots Medley is a quick and easy side dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal addition to any meal. The creamy sauce, enhanced with garlic and onion powder, pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli florets
2 cups (washed)
baby carrots
2 cups (halved)
cream cheese
5 ounces (softened)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted, cut into pieces)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the broccoli florets and halving the baby carrots for even cooking.
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the broccoli and carrots. Add a tablespoon of water to help steam the vegetables.
3
Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a lid, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper.
5
Microwave the cheese mixture on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth.
6
Once the vegetables are done, carefully remove them from the microwave. Pour the melted cheese sauce over the broccoli and carrots. Stir well to ensure all the vegetables are coated in the creamy sauce.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Garlic Broccoli and Carrots Medley?
It is a quick and easy side dish featuring tender broccoli and sweet baby carrots in a rich, creamy garlic and cheese sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
What are the primary vegetables used in this dish?
The main vegetables are 2 cups of broccoli florets and 2 cups of halved baby carrots.
How do you cook the vegetables in this recipe?
The vegetables are steamed in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water for 6-8 minutes on high.
What ingredients are in the creamy cheese sauce?
The sauce is made from cream cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 5 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
How much garlic powder is used?
The dish uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
What is the purpose of adding water to the vegetables before microwaving?
A tablespoon of water is added to help steam the broccoli and carrots so they become tender.
How should I cover the bowl when cooking the vegetables?
Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a lid, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Do I need to stir the vegetables while they microwave?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the vegetables halfway through the 6-8 minute cooking period.
How is the cheese sauce prepared?
Combine sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
What should the texture of the vegetables be when finished?
The vegetables should be crisp-tender after microwaving.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
Yes, though 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper is suggested for a cleaner look and specific spice profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Absolutely, as it is a quick 15-minute recipe specifically designed for convenience.
What is the preparation for the baby carrots?
The baby carrots should be halved to ensure they cook evenly with the broccoli.
Should I wash the broccoli florets?
Yes, the broccoli florets should be washed before cooking.
How do I combine the sauce and vegetables?
Once both are ready, pour the melted cheese sauce over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately while warm and creamy.
Is onion powder included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder is used in the sauce mixture.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of milk.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and provides a nutritious way to enjoy vegetables.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include vegetable side dish, quick recipe, creamy sauce, and microwave recipe.
Can this recipe be made for special gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant appearance and flavorful sauce make it great for both casual meals and special events.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
By stirring the cheese mixture every 30 seconds during its 1-2 minute microwave time.
What kind of bowl should I use?
A large microwave-safe bowl is necessary for the vegetables and a smaller one for the sauce.
What is the main flavor profile?
The dish features a garlic and onion flavored cheesy sauce that complements the natural sweetness of carrots.
Is this a stovetop recipe?
No, this specific recipe is designed as a microwave recipe for speed and ease.