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Cheesy Broccoli Delight

This Cheesy Broccoli Delight transforms humble frozen broccoli into a crave-worthy side dish with minimal effort. Melty cheddar, crunchy almonds, savory bacon bits, and a hint of garlic make every bite irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a flexible recipe that allows you to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 14 ounces frozen broccoli florets
  • 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or more if you love extra cheese
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds or substitute walnuts/pecans
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoons bacon bits or use smoked paprika for a vegetarian twist
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Herbs or spices of your choice Herbes de Provence is recommended

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Place the frozen broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water to prevent a watery cheese sauce.
  2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced almonds, bacon bits, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs or spices to the drained broccoli. Toss well to combine.
  3. Return the mixture to the microwave and heat for an additional 1½ to 2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey coating over the broccoli.
  4. Give the dish a final stir to evenly distribute the melted cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

You can easily customize this recipe by switching up the cheese or nuts to suit your taste. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, though freshly grated cheese may melt better. Extra garlic, red pepper flakes, or even adding in cooked chicken or tofu can make this dish a more complete meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave for a quick snack.