Low Sodium Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Low Sodium Broccoli with Cheese Sauce, a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe features tender-crisp broccoli florets coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with low-sodium cheddar, unsalted butter, and a light, flavorful blend of garlic and onion powder. The secret to its rich creaminess lies in the homemade roux, gently whisked together with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and whole milk. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between wholesome nutrition and satisfying flavor—without the extra sodium. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to sneak in veggies and brighten up your dinner table!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded low-sodium cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are just tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly add the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then, gradually add the whole milk while continuing to whisk.
Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the shredded low-sodium cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Season the cheese sauce with ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
To serve, pour the cheese sauce over the cooked broccoli florets and gently toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately as a delicious, low-sodium side dish that complements any main meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
984 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.5 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.6 g | 213% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 211 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 711 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.2 g | ||
| Protein | 55.3 g | 111% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1344 mg | 103% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 557 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
