Crispy Broccoli with a Creamy Cheese Sauce

I recently purchased an air fryer. I do like it but if you don't have one you can use your oven to make this dish. My whole family loves broccoli and I have converted many of my kids' friends to being broccoli lovers, though I know a Mom or two who weren't pleased to be told by their kid that they didn't make it like BABs (what most people call me) did. Sorry ...

My main go-to way to make broccoli is to simply steam it in a little water in a covered pan and sprinkle with coarse Kosher salt. However, now that I have had roasted or air fried broccoli I may never go back. The florets get all nice and crunchy which adds a wonderful texture.

We did decide that when I roast/air fry broccoli it does need to be served with some sort of sauce as the crunchy florets can be a bit dry with nothing on them.

So, my solution? A keto-friendly cheese sauce!

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Crispy Broccoli with Creamy Cheese Sauce

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4 cups of broccoli florets

1 stick of butter

1 cup of heavy cream

1 cup of whole milk

4 - 6 cloves of garlic minced

2 cups of whatever cheese you like grated

Air Fryer Instructions for Crispy Broccoli

Heat your air fryer with the basket in it. When it is up to temp simply pour the broccoli florets into the air fryer. You could toss the florets in a little bit of olive oil first but I didn’t find it necessary. Air Fry/Roast at 400° for approximately 10 minutes, open the lid, and make sure to toss the broccoli so they cook evenly. Air Fry/Roast for another 5 – 7 minutes.

Oven Instructions for Crispy Broccoli

If you don’t have an air fryer you can simply roast the florets in the oven at 400°. Again, get your oven up to temp before putting the broccoli in. If roasting in the oven I would tend to toss the broccoli in a small amount of olive oil. But make sure you don’t use too much or the broccoli will be kind of greasy. Oven roasting will take a bit longer, probably around 30 minutes but after 15 minutes, make sure to stir the broccoli and see how quickly they are cooking.

Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a small to medium-sized pan. When melted add your garlic and stir to distribute. Sauté until the garlic starts becoming fragrant but not browning. Add in your heavy cream, milk, and cheese. Salt & pepper to taste. Pour over crispy broccoli and serve immediately.