Cheese Bake Broccoli and Carrots (Print Version)

Tender broccoli and carrots in creamy cheddar sauce with a golden panko-parmesan crust.

# What You 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 whole milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

11 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
02 - Steam or blanch broccoli florets and carrot slices for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk until mixture is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
05 - Fold broccoli and carrots into the cheese sauce, coating evenly. Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle evenly across the casserole surface.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No one suspects how easy it is—melting cheese over veggies makes it irresistible.
  • The crispy panko topping brings a delightful crunch, making even picky eaters come back for seconds.
02 -
  • If you pour the sauce over veggies that are still wet, the topping won’t stay crisp.
  • Letting it rest before serving stops any soupy edges and makes the slices hold together.
03 -
  • Making the cheese sauce over gentle heat avoids curdling and keeps it super smooth.
  • Parmesan in the topping is the secret ingredient for irresistible savory crunch.

Go Back