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Copycat Longhorn Broccoli Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Broccoli

The **Copycat Longhorn Broccoli Recipe** brings the beloved steakhouse side dish right into your kitchen, offering a delicious, creamy, and cheesy way to enjoy your vegetables that’s incredibly simple to prepare. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for transforming humble broccoli into an irresistible indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head or 2 small heads)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt , or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper , or to taste
Optional Toppings
  • N/A N/A crumbled bacon
  • N/A N/A extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • N/A N/A breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Ice Bath
  • Large skillet or saucepan

Method
 

  1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the large head into bite-sized florets. If the stems are tender, you can peel and slice them thinly to use as well.
    1.5 pounds fresh broccoli florets
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well again. This step helps maintain the vibrant color and prevents the broccoli from becoming mushy in the sauce. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can skip blanching and move straight to steaming or boiling until tender.
    1.5 pounds fresh broccoli florets
  3. While the broccoli is blanching or preparing, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. Pour the milk into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
    1.5 cups milk, 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. Add the cubed cream cheese to the simmering milk. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes, 1.5 cups milk
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until they are fully melted and the sauce is velvety.
    1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  7. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
    1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  8. Add the blanched and drained broccoli florets to the cheese sauce. Gently toss the broccoli to coat it evenly with the sauce.
    1.5 pounds fresh broccoli florets
  9. Let the broccoli and sauce simmer together over low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is heated through and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking, as you want the broccoli to retain some bite.
    1.5 pounds fresh broccoli florets
  10. Ladle the Copycat Longhorn Broccoli into a serving dish. Garnish generously with optional toppings like crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve hot immediately.
    N/A N/A crumbled bacon, N/A N/A extra shredded cheddar cheese, N/A N/A breadcrumbs

Notes

Allow any leftover Copycat Longhorn Broccoli to cool completely. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or butter if needed. Microwave reheating is also an option. Freezing is possible but may alter texture.