Applebees Broccoli Recipe

8 min readSep 25, 2023

If you’re a fan of Applebees Broccoli Recipe or looking to elevate your vegetable game, you’re in for an incredible treat! Prepare to satisfy your cravings and indulge in the utterly delicious experience of Applebee’s Broccoli Recipe!

At Applebee’s, this once-humble vegetable gets a tantalizing transformation. This delightful side dish has become a top choice for those seeking a healthier yet flavor-packed complement to their meal.

With its vibrant green hue and flawlessly cooked texture, Applebee’s Broccoli takes this nutrition-rich veggie to a whole new level, presenting a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Dive into the irresistible world of Applebees Broccoli Recipe!

What is Applebee’s Broccoli?

Imagine this: vibrant broccoli florets, gently cooked to perfection, and coated in a delectable medley of flavors.

Applebee’s Broccoli transcends being just a side dish; it’s a delightful taste sensation that waltzes across your palate. It transforms a humble vegetable into a culinary delight cherished by both children and adults alike.

What Does Applebee’s Broccoli Taste Like?

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised! This broccoli boasts a tender interior with a slight crispiness on the outside. It’s simultaneously sweet and tangy, ensuring each bite bursts with freshness.

A symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more — your taste buds will revel in its goodness!

When Did I First Savor Applebees Broccoli?

One fateful day at Applebee’s, I had the pleasure of trying their marvelous broccoli. A single bite was all it took to captivate my taste buds completely. The combination of textures and the delectable coating ignited my desire to replicate it at home. Now, it graces our dinner table regularly, bringing joy to our meals.

Ingredients for Applebees Broccoli Recipe

2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
4 cups of Broccoli florets (equivalent to 1 large head of broccoli)
1 tablespoon of Black pepper
1/2 tablespoon of Sea salt

Tools Required

1 Large Saute Pan
1 Knife
1 Spoon

Preparation Time: 5 min

Cooking Time: 15 min

Total Time: 20

Let’s Prepare The Applebees Broccoli Recipe Step by step

Step#1: Begin by placing only the broccoli crowns into boiling water and cooking them for 1 minute.

Step#2: After cooking the broccoli, clean the pan and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. This step is essentially about infusing the garlic into the olive oil.

Step#3: Add the cooked broccoli to the pan, and season it with 2 tablespoons of black pepper and 1/2 tablespoon of sea salt.

Step#4: Stir-fry the broccoli in the seasoned olive oil until all the flavors are well-infused. Once done, plate it up and enjoy your delicious Applebee’s-style broccoli!

Some Tips for Making Applebees Broccoli Recipe

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Applebee’s Broccoli Recipe:

Choose Fresh Broccoli: Start with fresh broccoli florets. Look for a vibrant green color and firm texture. Avoid broccoli that appears wilted or has yellowing florets.
Blanching Technique: When blanching the broccoli, ensure you don’t overcook it. The broccoli ought to be tender yet retain a slight crispness. Plunge it into ice water immediately after boiling to maintain its bright green color.
Creamy Cheese Sauce: To achieve the signature creamy cheese sauce, whisk continuously while adding the milk to the roux. This prevents lumps from forming. Use real cheddar and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the sauce. A pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a touch of nutmeg are key to replicating Applebee’s flavor.
Consistency: Aim for a sauce that’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the mixture is overly dense, you can incorporate a bit more milk until you reach your preferred thickness.
Customization: Feel free to customize your Applebee’s Broccoli by adding extras like crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or diced red bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Vegan Option: If you prefer a vegan version, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese substitutes. While the flavor may vary slightly, it can still be delicious.
Serving: Serve the dish hot for the best taste and texture. It’s an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses.
Storage: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently and combine it with blanched broccoli when you’re ready to serve.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce’s seasoning. Add a dash of paprika or garlic powder for a unique twist.

Nutrition Information for Applebees Broccoli Recipe (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 150–200 calories per serving.
Protein: About 7–10 grams per serving, depending on portion size.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 10–15 grams per serving.
Dietary Fiber: Typically 2–4 grams per serving.
Sugars: Around 2–3 grams per serving, primarily from milk.
Fat: Approximately 10–15 grams per serving, largely from cheese and butter.
Saturated Fat: Usually 6–8 grams per serving.
Cholesterol: About 25–30 milligrams per serving, mainly from cheese and butter.
Sodium: Roughly 300–400 milligrams per serving, with variations based on added salt.
Vitamin A: A significant source of Vitamin A due to the broccoli.
Vitamin C: Provides a notable amount of Vitamin C, thanks to the broccoli.
Calcium: A good source of calcium, primarily from the cheese.
Iron: Contains a small amount of iron.
Potassium: Provides a moderate amount of potassium.

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes.

Serving Ideas for Applebees Broccoli

Here are some serving ideas and ways to enjoy Applebee’s Broccoli:

Side Dish Delight: Applebee’s Broccoli makes for a perfect side dish to complement your main course. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a well-balanced meal.
Appetizer Option: Serve smaller portions of this broccoli dish as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. It’s a great way to kick off a meal and get everyone’s appetite going.
Potluck Favorite: Bring a tray of Applebee’s Broccoli to potluck dinners or family gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear quickly.
Healthy Snacking: Keep some leftover broccoli in the fridge for healthy snacking. It’s a nutritious and flavorful option when you’re craving a snack.
Add Protein: To make it a complete meal, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be placed on top of the broccoli and cheese sauce for a protein-packed dish.
Salad Enhancement: Transform your regular salad into something special by adding Applebee’s Broccoli as a topping. It provides a delightful crunch and cheesy flavor.
Breakfast Brunch: Use leftover broccoli in your morning omelets or scrambled eggs for a nutritious and savory breakfast.
Wrap it Up: Wrap the broccoli and cheese sauce in a tortilla or flatbread to create a unique and delicious wrap. It’s a creative way to enjoy this dish.
Kids’ Favorite: Children often enjoy the cheesy goodness of Applebee’s Broccoli. It’s a sneaky way to get them to eat their greens!
Dip It: Turn it into a dip by blending the broccoli and cheese sauce until smooth. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a tasty snack.
Baked Potato Topping: Use it as a topping for baked potatoes. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the fluffy interior of a baked potato.
Grain Bowl: Create a grain bowl by placing cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous in a bowl, then topping it with Applebee’s Broccoli for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Sandwich Filling: Spread the broccoli and cheese sauce onto a sandwich or a panini for a gourmet sandwich experience.
Stuffed Chicken: Stuff chicken breasts or pork chops with Applebee’s Broccoli and bake them for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Party Platter: Serve it as part of a party platter with an assortment of finger foods for guests to enjoy during game nights or casual get-togethers.

Conclusion

Now that you have the inside scoop on making the Applebees Broccoli Recipe, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your own cravings, this dish is sure to delight. With these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you can enjoy the irresistible flavors of Applebees Broccoli Recipe in the comfort of your own home.

FAQs on Applebees Broccoli Recipe

Here are some commonly asked questions and their short answers on Applebees Broccoli Recipe

1. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently and combine it with blanched broccoli when you’re ready to serve.

2. Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the signature sauce?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter option.

3. What can I serve with Applebee’s Broccoli as a main course?

This broccoli pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or even as a side dish with pasta.

4. Can I add other ingredients to customize the dish?

Absolutely! You can customize your Applebee’s Broccoli Recipe by adding ingredients like crispy bacon bits, diced red bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

5. What makes Applebee’s Broccoli so special?

The secret lies in the roasting process, which enhances the broccoli’s natural flavor and texture, combined with the creamy, tangy signature sauce.

6. How can I make this dish healthier?

To make Applebee’s Broccoli Recipe a bit healthier, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.

7. Can I use frozen broccoli?

While fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the cheese sauce.

8. Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of Applebee’s Broccoli Recipe by using plant-based butter, milk, and cheese substitutes. The flavor might differ slightly, but it can still be delicious.

9. How can I make the sauce smoother?

For an extra smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the cheese sauce until it’s velvety and lump-free.

10. Is Applebee’s Broccoli Recipe healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with essential nutrients and is a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of broccoli.

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