Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

You know, sometimes all I want is a cozy side dish that makes the whole plate better. That’s what happened the first time I had the broccoli from Outback Steakhouse.

It wasn’t just broccoli. It had this soft bite, a buttery taste, and melty cheese that made me say, “Wow, I could eat this every day.” That’s when I thought, why not try making it at home?

So, I got to work. I wanted something simple, with just a few things from my kitchen. No fancy stuff. Just good, fresh broccoli, a bit of seasoning, and cheese.

And let me tell you-it came out just like the one I had at the restaurant. This Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe is now my go-to when I want something fast, warm, and full of flavor.

If you’re like me and enjoy a quick veggie side that doesn’t taste plain or boring, this recipe is for you. Let’s get cooking!

What Does Copycat Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Taste Like?

This broccoli tastes nothing like plain steamed veggies. It has a soft but not mushy texture, and each bite is full of cheesy, seasoned goodness.

The cheddar cheese melts just right over the top, making it creamy without being too heavy. The olive oil gives it a light, savory base, and the salt and pepper bring everything together without taking over the taste.

What I love most is how the cheese sticks to the broccoli. It doesn’t just sit on top-it melts into every little piece. It feels comforting, like something you’d want to eat after a long day.

Honestly, I could eat this as a main dish some nights because it’s that satisfying.

Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this simple and tasty dish:

• 1 Pound of Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: I’ve used both, and they work fine. Fresh gives a little more texture, while frozen is perfect when I’m in a rush.
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil: This gives a smooth flavor and helps the broccoli cook evenly. It also keeps the cheese from sticking to the pan.
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt: Just enough to bring out the flavor in the broccoli and cheese.
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper: This gives a light spice and adds a nice warm taste without being too strong.
• 1 Cup of Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works great because it melts well and gives a rich flavor. You can use mild if you prefer something lighter.

Helpful Swaps

1. Oil: Swap olive oil with butter for a richer taste.
2. Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for spice.
3. Seasonings: Add garlic powder (¼ tsp) or smoked paprika (½ tsp) for extra depth.

Required Kitchen Tools

1. Large skillet with lid (nonstick works best)
2. Knife and cutting board (if using fresh broccoli)
3. Measuring spoons
4. Spatula

How To Make Outback Steakhouse Broccoli

Step 1 | Prep the Broccoli

If using fresh, chop florets into bite-sized pieces. Rinse frozen broccoli under cold water to thaw slightly.

Step 2 | Cook the Broccoli

Add broccoli to a skillet first. Then pour in olive oil and stir to coat the florets. Heat the skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Don’t peek—trapping steam softens the broccoli!

Step 3 | Season

Uncover, sprinkle salt and pepper. Stir well. Cook 10 more minutes on medium-high, stirring occasionally, until edges turn golden.

Step 4 | Add Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheese evenly over broccoli. Cover again and cook 2-3 minutes until melted. Serve immediately!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: It should still have some bite to it. Overcooked broccoli gets mushy and loses its bright color.
• Cut broccoli pieces to similar sizes: This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
• Pat fresh broccoli dry after washing: Extra moisture can make it steam rather than sauté.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.
• Keep stirring: While cooking the broccoli for those 10 minutes, stir it occasionally so all pieces cook evenly.
• Don’t rush the cheese melting: Keep the heat low when melting the cheese to prevent it from separating or burning.

What to Serve with This Cheesy Broccoli

This broccoli goes great with so many meals. I like serving it with grilled chicken or pan-fried steak.

It adds a warm, creamy veggie side to balance out the meat. You can also pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or baked fish.

Sometimes, I make it with pasta and mix everything together. That turns it into a full meal.

If you’re cooking something simple like baked chicken or meatloaf, this broccoli fits right in. It also makes a great lunch with just a piece of toast or a sandwich.

How To Store Leftover

If you’ve got some leftovers, no problem. Just let the broccoli cool down first. Then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 days.

To reheat, pop it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Or, warm it up in a pan on low heat until hot. You can add a bit more cheese if you want it extra cheesy again.

Freezing Tip: I don’t recommend freezing it with the cheese already melted. If you want to freeze it, cook the broccoli with seasoning first and add the cheese fresh when you reheat it later.

Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this broccoli in the oven?

Yes, you can roast the broccoli in the oven. Just toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then add cheese on top and bake 5 more minutes until it melts.

2. How do I know when the broccoli is cooked right?

It should be soft enough to poke with a fork, but not falling apart. You want it tender with a slight bite left in the middle.

3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Totally! Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just reheat it. I’ve made it a day early, and it still tastes awesome.

4. How do I keep the broccoli bright green?

Don’t overcook it. Cooking the broccoli just until it’s tender helps keep its color. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to the cooking water if you want it extra green, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.

5. How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?

Easy—don’t cook it too long! Check it after the steaming and cooking steps. It should feel soft but still have a little crunch. If it’s too soft, cut the cooking time a bit next time.

This Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dishes. It’s simple, cheesy, and full of flavor-and it only takes a few steps to make. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!