Broccoli smothered in warm, melted cheese is one veggie dish that nobody can refuse! But the key is knowing exactly which type of cheese to use. Cheese is broccoli’s true saving grace, as it transforms this widely despised vegetable into something that’s surprisingly irresistible!
There are a variety of cheeses that go well with broccoli. Depending on the dish, certain types of cheese are paired with broccoli to accentuate the flavor, offset broccoli’s bitter notes, and add a creamy texture. Cheddar is the most popular broccoli accompaniment.
Are you tired of forcing down plain, mushy broccoli and searching for a way to either hide or jazz it up a little? Do you know which cheese complements broccoli in a salad, soup, or casserole? Learn how to create the perfect broccoli and cheese pairing for every type of dish:
Cheese and Broccoli Salad
If you or your loved ones have a solid aversion to broccoli, try consuming it chilled instead of warm. Sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent partner for broccoli in a salad. Cheddar’s piquant profile enhances the earthy flavor in broccoli.
Monterey Jack is another cheese that goes well with broccoli in a salad. It has a mild, buttery flavor that helps tame the bitterness of broccoli while adding a creamy texture to the salad.
Everyone will want seconds of these broccoli and cheese salads:
Cheese and Broccoli Soup
Broccoli is fantastic against the nuttiness of sharp cheddar cheese, especially in soup! The unique and bold flavor of sharp cheddar pairs well with broccoli and adds the perfect amount of creaminess to the soup.
Gruyere cheese has a slightly sweet, salty, and nutty taste that complements broccoli beautifully in a soup. Its creamy consistency balances the broccoli’s crunchy texture.
Take a look at the following recipes for a heart and body warming cheese and broccoli soup:
Cheese and Broccoli Pasta
Bold, salty, and mature cheeses such as Parmesan, cheddar, Grana Padano, and Pecorino Romano bring out the best in broccoli when combined in a warm and hearty pasta. These pungent cheeses offset broccoli’s bitterness and enhance the veggie’s earthy, nutty flavors.
For a baked broccoli pasta dish, like macaroni and cheese, mild cheddar or Swiss cheese is ideal. Swiss and mild cheddar has the perfect amount of saltiness that complements broccoli without overpowering it. They also melt quickly and provide a rich and creamy consistency.
These cheese and broccoli pasta recipes are great for a last-minute or easy weeknight meal:
Cheese and Broccoli Quiche
Soft and mild-tasting cheeses such as Gruyere, Emmental, mozzarella, and Fontina pair beautifully with broccoli in a quiche. The slightly sweet and salty flavor of these cheeses counteracts the broccoli’s peppery, earthy notes.
Broccoli also pairs exceptionally well with white cheddar, Parmesan, gouda, and Manchego in a quiche, as they all have a salty and nutty flavor that adds depth and brightens up the broccoli.
Here are three delicious cheese and broccoli quiche recipe options for your next picnic or brunch:
Cheese and Broccoli Dip
Mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and broccoli are a stellar combination for a dip! The trio of cheeses adds a rich and luscious consistency, while their subtle sweetness mellows out broccoli’s strong flavor.
Game night? Try out these cheese and broccoli dip recipes:
Cheese and Broccoli Casserole
Robust cheeses, including Parmesan, sharp cheddar, and even gorgonzola, make an excellent pairing with broccoli in a casserole as they can stand up to this vegetable’s peppery taste.
You could add in a bit of good quality melting cheese like Fontina, mozzarella, or gouda to increase the creaminess.
These cheese and broccoli casseroles are a must if you are trying to win over a few broccoli haters!
Cheese and Broccoli Tots
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese are firm favorites for broccoli tots. They provide depth of flavor and a delightfully rich and chewy texture. The buttery and nutty taste of the cheese pairs well with peppery broccoli.
Cheese and broccoli tots are a hit with toddlers – and the adults! Try out these simple and tasty recipes:
Cheese and Broccoli Scones or Muffins
Goat’s cheese (chevre), ricotta, and feta have a gentle and delicious taste that accentuates broccoli’s herbaceous flavor. These versatile cheeses are soft and crumbly, which balances the tender crunch of broccoli.
Once again, tart and salty cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese are often combined with broccoli in savory scones or muffins to create an irresistible umami flavor.
Squeeze in some extra veggies with these mouth-watering broccoli and cheese muffin and scone recipes:
More on this: What Goes with Broccoli | How to Store Broccoli | Types of Broccoli | Different Cheese Varieties
Final Thoughts
Adding a little (or plenty!) cheese is an excellent way to convince picky eaters to eat and enjoy more broccoli! It is clear that aged cheddar cheese and broccoli make the perfect pair in most dishes.