If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you’re likely familiar with their deliciously cheesy broccoli. This dish, featuring tender broccoli florets coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, is a standout side that complements any meal. Today, I’m excited to show you how to recreate this beloved Outback Steakhouse broccoli recipe in your own kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for when you want to step up your vegetarian cooking.
This recipe will satisfy your hunger for a side dish worthy of a fine dining establishment, regardless you’re preparing it for a family meal or just yourself.
Let’s get started and bring a little Outback to your table!

How Does Outback Cook Their Broccoli?
Outback Steakhouse is known for its fresh, steamed broccoli that retains a bright green color and a tender-crisp texture. The secret to their broccoli lies in the perfect blanching method, followed by a light steam and the addition of a creamy cheese sauce. This process ensures that the broccoli is neither too soft nor too crunchy, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
The addition of the cheese sauce takes this dish to the next level, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 small ones)
- 3-4 cups of water (for blanching)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for blanching)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (I used almond milk, but any milk works)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Extra cheese for topping
- Red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Medium pot
- Strainer
- Mixing spoon or whisk
- Medium-sized bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese at home)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Outback Steakhouse Broccoli
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making this delicious side dish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve that perfect Outback Steakhouse broccoli at home.
Step 1 | Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing your broccoli. I like to use a mixture of water and baking soda to ensure it’s clean—just soak the broccoli for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Once clean, break the broccoli into florets. If some florets are larger, feel free to halve them.

Step 2 | Blanch the Broccoli
In a medium pot, bring 3-4 cups of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for exactly 1 minute. This quick blanching keeps the broccoli tender-crisp and vibrantly green. After 1 minute, drain the broccoli and set it aside.

Step 3 | Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot (now empty and clean), melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over low to medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Let the roux cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce begins to thicken. Once it’s smooth and slightly thickened, season with sea salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).

Step 4 | Add the Cheese
Now comes the fun part—add the shredded mozzarella and Red Leicester cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Feel free to add more cheese if you want it extra cheesy!

Step 5 | Season the Broccoli
While your cheese sauce is resting, season your blanched broccoli with a sprinkle of all-purpose seasoning and garlic powder. Trust me, the garlic powder adds an amazing depth of flavor!

Step 6 | Combine and Finish
Pour the warm, creamy cheese sauce over the seasoned broccoli. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of crunch in your broccoli, cover the pot and let the residual heat steam the broccoli for just 2 minutes. The cheese will melt beautifully, coating each floret.

Step 7 | Top and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of red chili flakes for a pop of color and spice. This dish is best served warm, with the broccoli tender yet crisp and the cheese sauce rich and creamy.

Tips for the Perfect Outback Steakhouse Broccoli
Achieving the perfect Outback Steakhouse broccoli at home is all about attention to detail. Here are some additional tips to ensure your broccoli is spot-on every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The key to that perfect tender-crisp texture is not overcooking the broccoli. Blanching for just 1 minute is enough. Remember, the broccoli will continue to cook slightly when you add the cheese sauce.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh, firm broccoli will give you the best results. If your broccoli has been sitting in the fridge for a while, it might not hold up as well during blanching.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Red Leicester are great choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses can add a unique flavor to the dish.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. A pinch more salt or a dash of garlic powder can make all the difference.
- Keep It Crunchy: If you prefer your broccoli with more of a crunch, reduce the steaming time after adding the cheese sauce, or skip it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Outback Steakhouse broccoli is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish:
1. Alongside Grilled Meats: This cheesy broccoli is the perfect side to accompany grilled steak, chicken, or pork. The rich cheese sauce complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
2. With Seafood: Serve this broccoli alongside baked salmon or grilled shrimp for a complete meal.
3. As Part of a Vegetarian Meal: Pair it with other veggie dishes like roasted potatoes or a quinoa salad for a hearty vegetarian dinner.
4. As a Comfort Food Side: This broccoli dish is also a fantastic side for comfort foods like meatloaf, baked mac and cheese, or a hearty casserole.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—this cheesy broccoli stores well.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the broccoli may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli thoroughly before blanching to avoid excess water.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and blanch the broccoli ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine them just before serving.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including almond milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk. Just be aware that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly depending on the type of milk used.
What can I use if I don’t have all-purpose seasoning?
If you don’t have all-purpose seasoning on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and a bit of onion powder for a similar flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for a colorful and nutritious twist on the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes in the cheese sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe
Try Outback Steakhouse's signature cheesy broccoli at home with this easy recipe. Tender broccoli florets are blanched to perfection and coated in a creamy cheese sauce that's rich with mozzarella and Red Leicester cheese. This dish captures the essence of comfort food with its satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 small ones)
- 3-4 cups of water (for blanching)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for blanching)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (I used almond milk, but any milk works)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Extra cheese for topping
- Red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Medium pot
- Strainer
- Mixing spoon or whisk
- Medium-sized bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese at home)
Instructions
- Start by washing your broccoli. I like to use a mixture of water and baking soda to ensure it’s clean—just soak the broccoli for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Once clean, break the broccoli into florets. If some florets are larger, feel free to halve them.
- In a medium pot, bring 3-4 cups of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for exactly 1 minute. This quick blanching keeps the broccoli tender-crisp and vibrantly green. After 1 minute, drain the broccoli and set it aside.
- In the same pot (now empty and clean), melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over low to medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Let the roux cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce begins to thicken. Once it’s smooth and slightly thickened, season with sea salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- Now comes the fun part—add the shredded mozzarella and Red Leicester cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Feel free to add more cheese if you want it extra cheesy!
- While your cheese sauce is resting, season your blanched broccoli with a sprinkle of all-purpose seasoning and garlic powder. Trust me, the garlic powder adds an amazing depth of flavor!
- Pour the warm, creamy cheese sauce over the seasoned broccoli. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of crunch in your broccoli, cover the pot and let the residual heat steam the broccoli for just 2 minutes. The cheese will melt beautifully, coating each floret.
- Before serving, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of red chili flakes for a pop of color and spice. This dish is best served warm, with the broccoli tender yet crisp and the cheese sauce rich and creamy.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 personAmount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 230mgCarbohydrates: 7gSugar: 2gProtein: 4g
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try this Outback Steakhouse broccoli recipe at home as I was to share it with you. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy broccoli, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!
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