broccoli

Broccoli and Cheese Is A Great Thanksgiving Side

This is a Thanksgiving side dish your family will love, and it’s made with WIC-approved foods. This super nutritious vegetable topped with cheese will be loved by everyone gathered around your table. You will want to keep serving it up this winter because it’s a cozy dish for winter weather.

Cheese Sauce For Broccoli

Cooked broccoli, fresh or frozen

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup of milk

1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add flour and keep whisking until you form a paste. Add milk and keep whisking for about 5 minutes or until it is thick. Add cheese and combine until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked broccoli to the mixture or use topping to spread on top of your broccoli, using just as much as desired. * You can also add cooked rice to the broccoli and cheese.

Note: Cheese sauce can also be used for topping for potatoes or other types of vegetables. Enjoy!

WIC Inspired Recipes – Broccoli Tater Tots

Broccoli Tater Tots

3 large russet potatoes

2 (12 – 14 ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed, or 8 cups steamed broccoli florets

2 cups shredded parmesan cheese (or mozzarella)

2 teaspoons salt, plus more for sprinkling on top

Olive oil

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and cook for 25 minutes, until fork tender but still have some give in the middle. Drain water and let potatoes cool until they are comfortable to handle. Once potatoes are warm enough to handle, remove the skins.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grate potatoes on the large side of a grater and place into a large bowl.

Place the broccoli into a food processor and blend until it’s in very small pieces, 30 seconds – one minute. You may need to do it in two batches. Place broccoli onto paper towels and squeeze all excess water out.

Add the broccoli to the grated potatoes along with the salt and mix everything together well.

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands to form small cylinders with the mixture. Use about 1 tablespoon per tater tot. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Brush the top of each tater tot with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle each one with salt. Bake tater tots until browned crispy, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway though.

This recipe works great in an air fryer too!

Enjoy!