Cheese Bake with Broccoli Carrots (Print Version)
Broccoli and carrots baked in creamy cheddar with a crunchy panko topping, comforting and easy.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
02 - 2 cups carrots, sliced, fresh or frozen
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
10 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
11 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
02 - Steam or blanch the broccoli florets and carrot slices for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until foaming, without letting it brown. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
05 - Gently fold the cooked broccoli and carrots into the cheese sauce, ensuring the vegetables are well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
06 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, if using. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the vegetable and cheese mixture.
07 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That cheesy crust hides just-tender vegetables, so even veggie skeptics are tempted for seconds.
- The whole thing comes together with pantry basics—no specialty shopping trips required.
02 -
- I once forgot to drain the veggies well, and the sauce turned runny—pat broccoli and carrots dry every time.
- When I switched from regular to panko breadcrumbs, the crunch level doubled and everyone noticed.
03 -
- Always taste your cheese sauce before combining everything—it’s your chance to tweak salt and seasoning.
- A little freshly ground black pepper on top before baking really sharpens the flavors.