Broccoli with Cheese - 2 Recipes

Day 20 of the 30 Day Tasty Vegetable Challenge


Broccoli and cheese ~ a classic combination. I received two recipes using broccoli and cheese and decided to include them both in one post. The first is from Dawn Billesbach of Menu for the Week and the second is from Liz Weiss and Janice Bissex, The Meal Makeover Moms.

Broccoli and Cheese Baked Potatoes

by Dawn Billesbach

"These are so good for a meatless meal."

4 large russet potatoes

4 tablespoons butter

1 head broccoli - chopped into small pieces

2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

salt and pepper, to taste

1) Wet potatoes, poke holes with a fork, and wrap in plastic wrap. Microwave each potato for 6 minutes on each side. Leave potato in wrap until ready to load up.

2) Meanwhile, steam broccoli on stove. In a small sauce pan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Place broccoli over water in a steamer or directly in water. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook for 6 - 7 minutes.

3) Load cooked potatoes with butter, broccoli, cheese, salt and pepper. Return to microwave for 30 seconds to melt cheese.

Serves 4.

Broccoli Trees with Cheesy Dipping Sauce

by Liz Weiss and Janice Bissex

1 head broccoli (about 1½ pounds), cut into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheeseKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Steam the broccoli until crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside, uncovered.
2. While the broccoli is steaming, heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until smooth, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, mustard, and garlic powder slowly into the flour mixture. Raise the heat and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer and stir gently until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with the broccoli.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 cup broccoli and 3 tablespoons sauce): 110 calories, 6g fat (2.5g saturated), 160mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 9g protein, 50% vitamin A, 110% vitamin C, 20% calcium