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The Cheesy Broccoli Side Dish I’m Making Every Week Right Now

Jan Valdez
Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer
I cover recipe content on The Kitchn, write and update recipes and recipe roundups, and test recipes for the team. I have 10 years of experience working in R&D test kitchens, testing products and recipes, and at publishers including Serious Eats and EatingWell.
published Dec 21, 2024
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overhead shot of a baking dish full of cheesy baked broccoli alfredo
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that always finds its way onto my dinner table. It’s a versatile and hearty side dish that complements just about any meal, from roasted chicken thighs and simple pasta dishes to quick-cooking salmon fillets. When the craving for comfort food hits, I turn to recipes that are both indulgent and easy to make. That’s exactly why I love this recipe for cheesy baked broccoli. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing way to elevate this everyday vegetable into something truly irresistible. With a smart grocery shortcut, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Baked Broccoli

Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

What Makes This Cheesy Baked Broccoli So Good

The secret to this recipe is jarred Alfredo sauce. The creamy Alfredo is quickly heated up on the stovetop with some sauteed onion and shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the broccoli. Tossing fresh broccoli florets in this cheesy mixture ensures that every piece is perfectly coated. 

But the real magic happens in the oven. After being transferred to a baking dish, the creamy broccoli is topped with more mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, too. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the Alfredo, creating a velvety sauce that clings to the tender broccoli, while the broccoli tops develop a golden brown crust. This combination of textures — tender, creamy, and a bit crispy on top — makes each bite absolutely delicious.

Cheesy baked broccoli is the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or holiday dinner, this recipe is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Once you try this easy method for turning broccoli into a cheesy side dish, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Baked Broccoli