So this isn’t just broccoli with Cheetos crushed over the top, that would be silly. This is broccoli with a garnish of Cheetos served on top of a rich, garlic-shallot infused sauce made from Gouda and Parmesan cheeses. Perfection.
Now, when I placed this on the dinner table, my kids looked at me like I was half-cracked or had lost my mind. But at the same time they were cheering because Cheetos were going to be a part of dinner. Score.
Apparently this dish is all the rage at Park Avenue Winter, a New York City restaurant that serves this dish up as a side dish on their regular menu. The Cheetos-loving chef, Craig Koketsu, claims this dish sells better than the French fries on the menu. I believe him.
The sauce has depth and complexity and the Cheetos change up the texture in a nice way. It just rocks.
Everyone ate their broccoli last night. First time ever.
Combine heavy cream, 2 Tablespoons garlic, shallots, peppercorns and bay leaf in a 2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pan from heat, stir in cheeses until melted and season to taste with salt. Set a fine strainer over a small saucepan and strain sauce, discarding solids. Set aside and keep warm.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add broccoli and cook, stirring until crisp but somewhat tender, 3 minutes. Drain broccoli, transfer to a bowl of ice water and let chill. Drain and transfer to paper towels to dry; set aside.
Heat oil in a 12″ skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining garlic and chili flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and cook, stirring often, until barely browned, about 4 minutes.
To serve, spoon cheese sauce evenly among 6 warm serving bowls or small plates. Top sauce with broccoli and Cheetos. Serve immediately and without guilt.
Broccoli with Cheetos
From Saveur via Park Avenue Winter
2 cups heavy cream
3 Tablespoons minced garlic, divided
2 Tablespoons minced shallots
6 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 cups grated aged Gouda
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt to taste
1-1/4 pounds broccoli, cut into small florets
3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
2 cups original Cheetos, crushed by hand
Combine heavy cream, 2 Tablespoons garlic, shallots, peppercorns and bay leaf in a 2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pan from heat, stir in cheeses until melted and season to taste with salt. Set a fine strainer over a small saucepan and strain sauce, discarding solids. Set aside and keep warm.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add broccoli and cook, stirring until crisp but somewhat tender, 3 minutes. Drain broccoli, transfer to a bowl of ice water and let chill. Drain and transfer to paper towels to dry; set aside.
Heat oil in a 12″ skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining garlic and chili flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and cook, stirring often, until barely browned, about 4 minutes.
To serve, spoon cheese sauce evenly among 6 warm serving bowls or small plates. Top sauce with broccoli and Cheetos. Serve immediately and without guilt.
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Jennifer says
Holy cow…I would have eaten all my broccoli as well!
Susan says
Brilliant! The sauce alone would clinch it for me, but crunchy junk food on top? Brilliant!
Barbie with T says
You are so tricky! At the same time resourceful. Getting the family to eat broccoli can sometimes be a great challenge. But not for you! You got it!
Kim in MD says
This is the second blog that I have seen this recipe on! Who knew broccoli could taste so good? 😉
sheila says
Oh this is brilliant!
Lori at RecipeGirl says
I tried this recipe too… it grew on me a bit after trying a few bites, but my husband and son did not care for it much. I reviewed it on my Culinary Covers blog- funny to read the comments from people who are shocked to see this recipe!
http://culinarycovers.com/2011/01/broccoli-with-cheetos/
Rachel says
You never cease to amaze me with all your innovative creations!
Anna says
The sauce sounds great, but the cheeto-broccoli combination is just not doing it for me!
Kirsten says
Awesome! Cheetos are a weakness of mine, and I will definitely be trying this.
Mrs. L says
Being a Cheetos lover, I remember my jaw dropping when I saw this in the magazine. I get a smile on my face whenever I see that someone has actually made it! Once of these days I’ll convince my husband to give it a try hehehehe.