Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Delight
If you’re searching for a quick weeknight side dish that packs a flavor punch, this Cheesy Broccoli Delight might just become your new go-to recipe.
I love how it transforms humble frozen broccoli into something crave-worthy in under five minutes.
The combination of melty cheddar, crunchy almonds, and savory bacon bits creates this perfect texture contrast that makes vegetables actually exciting.
Who knew?
And the best part? You can customize the spices to match whatever you’re serving it with.
Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I’m feeling spicy.
Trust me, even veggie skeptics will ask for seconds.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Broccoli Delight?
This Cheesy Broccoli Delight requires just a handful of simple ingredients that transform frozen broccoli into a creamy, savory side dish in minutes. I’m always amazed at how something so easy can taste so indulgent. The cheese creates that gooey, comforting texture while the almonds and bacon bits add surprising pops of flavor and crunch that elevate this dish beyond basic vegetables.
- 14 ounces frozen broccoli florets
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you’re a cheese lover like me)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 to 1½ teaspoons bacon bits
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs or spices of your choice (the recipe suggests Herbes de Provence)
When shopping for these ingredients, don’t hesitate to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. Pre-shredded cheese works perfectly, though freshly grated melts a bit better. The almonds provide that wonderful textural contrast, but other nuts like walnuts or pecans could work too. And while Herbes de Provence gives a lovely Mediterranean flair, Italian seasoning or even just dried oregano would be delicious alternatives. The recipe is wonderfully flexible, which makes it perfect for those nights when you’re working with whatever’s in your pantry.
How to Make This Cheesy Broccoli Delight
Making this mouthwatering Cheesy Broccoli Delight couldn’t be simpler, and I’m all about recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Start by cooking the 14-ounce bag of frozen broccoli florets in your microwave until they’re nice and tender. The exact time will depend on your microwave’s power, but typically this takes about 3-4 minutes. Once done, be sure to drain any excess water from the dish—this is essential for preventing a watery cheese sauce later on.
Now comes the fun part. Add all the remaining ingredients to your cooked broccoli: 2½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you’re feeling particularly indulgent), ¼ cup of sliced almonds for that delightful crunch, 1 to 1½ teaspoons of bacon bits for a smoky flavor boost, and 1 minced garlic clove for depth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle in your preferred spices—Herbes de Provence works wonderfully here, adding a sophisticated touch to this simple dish. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure the broccoli gets coated with all those flavorful additions.
Return your mixture to the microwave for about 1½ to 2 minutes, just long enough for that cheddar cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible blanket over the broccoli. The almonds will retain their crunch while the bacon bits and garlic infuse the dish with savory goodness.
Before serving, give everything one final, good stir to guarantee the cheese is evenly distributed. This quick side dish pairs perfectly with rotisserie chicken for a no-fuss dinner, or alongside a hearty meatloaf when you need something green but indulgent on your plate.
Cheesy Broccoli Delight Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this recipe is absolutely delightful, I’ve found that the beauty of this Cheesy Broccoli Delight lies in its flexibility.
Don’t have cheddar? Try monterey jack, gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Fresh broccoli works just as well—just steam it first.
Vegetarians can skip the bacon bits or substitute with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. No almonds? Walnuts or pine nuts create an equally satisfying crunch.
Sometimes I add diced red peppers for color and sweetness. You can even turn this into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken or crispy tofu.
What to Serve with Cheesy Broccoli Delight
Although Cheesy Broccoli Delight works beautifully as a side dish on its own, pairing it with complementary foods elevates an entire meal.
I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak—the protein balances the cheesy goodness perfectly.
For a lighter option, try it with baked salmon or a simple roasted turkey breast. The cheese sauce creates a wonderful contrast to the lean meat.
When I’m feeling casual, I’ll serve it with a hearty sandwich or burger. The broccoli counts as your vegetable, right?
And on busy weeknights, it transforms plain rice or quinoa into something worth sitting down for.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Broccoli Delight has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It combines simplicity with comfort food appeal—tender broccoli cloaked in melty cheddar with perfect textural contrast from the almonds and flavor boost from bacon bits.
I love how customizable it is, too. Sometimes I add extra garlic when I need a flavor punch or swap in different cheese blends.
What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms ordinary frozen broccoli into something crave-worthy in minutes.
For busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, can you think of anything more satisfying than this five-minute cheesy wonder?
Irresistibly Gooey Broccoli Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the frozen broccoli florets in the microwave until tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Drain any excess water from the cooked broccoli to prevent a watery cheese sauce.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced almonds, bacon bits, and minced garlic to the broccoli.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
- Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the broccoli is well coated with all ingredients.
- Return the mixture to the microwave for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- Give the dish a final stir to distribute the melted cheese evenly before serving.
