Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli from Outback Steakhouse is famous for a reason. It’s bright green, tender yet crisp, and coated in a buttery, garlicky flavor that keeps people coming back.

I love how this dish feels both simple and special at the same time. The mix of butter and seasoning turns ordinary broccoli into something that feels restaurant-quality.

Making it at home doesn’t take hours or premium ingredients, but it delivers that same rich taste. With this recipe, it’s easy to enjoy the flavor of Outback’s broccoli without spending extra money or waiting in line.

The steps are simple, and the results are authentic, just like the original. Once you try it, the buttery garlic sauce and perfect texture will make you understand why it’s a menu favorite.

This copycat Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe is your shortcut to a dish that tastes incredible and is ready in minutes.

Why Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Is So Popular

• Bold Garlic and Butter Combination: The garlic powder mixed with melted butter creates a savory base that makes every bite memorable and satisfying.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce: The blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a smooth, rich coating that transforms simple vegetables into something special.
• Perfect Texture Balance: The broccoli stays bright green and crisp-tender, never mushy or overcooked like at many other places.
• Consistent Quality: Every serving tastes the same, which builds trust and keeps customers ordering it again and again.
• Complements Any Entrée: This side dish pairs beautifully with everything else on the menu.

What Makes This Recipe Different from Regular Steamed Broccoli

1. The special seasoning blend: I use garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to create that signature Outback flavor. Regular steamed broccoli usually has just salt or nothing at all. My blend gives you that restaurant-quality taste you love.

2. The butter-based coating technique: I start by making a roux with butter and flour. Then I add milk to create a smooth, creamy base. This technique makes the cheese sauce stick to every floret. You won’t get this rich coating with plain steamed broccoli.

3. Perfect tender-crisp texture: I blanch the broccoli for exactly one minute. This keeps it bright green and gives it that perfect bite. Regular steaming often makes broccoli too soft or too raw. My method hits the sweet spot every time.

4. Restaurant-quality presentation: The golden cheese sauce and optional paprika sprinkle make this dish look as good as it tastes. You get that polished, professional look that regular steamed broccoli just cannot match.

Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Ingredients

• 1 large head of fresh broccoli: Broccoli is the main part of the dish. Look for broccoli with a deep green color and firm stalks. Avoid any with yellow spots or a limp feel. You can use frozen broccoli florets if you need to. Just let them thaw and pat them very dry with a paper towel first.
• 1 tablespoon salted butter: Butter adds a rich, savory flavor to the sauce. It helps bring everything together and makes the broccoli taste restaurant-style. You can use unsalted butter if that is what you have. Just add a little extra salt later if needed.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Flour helps thicken the cheese sauce so it sticks nicely to the broccoli. It keeps the sauce smooth instead of runny and helps give it that creamy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. It blends smoothly with the cheese for the best texture. If you want a lighter option, 2% milk will also work just fine.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its bold flavor and classic orange color. Pre-shredded cheese works, but shredding it from a block helps it melt smoother and creamier.
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts very well and makes the sauce soft and gooey. It balances the sharp cheddar nicely. If you cannot find it, mozzarella is a good substitute.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a warm, savory flavor that is key to the Outback-style taste. It blends smoothly into the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Salt helps bring out all the flavors in the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust later if needed, especially if you use salted butter or sharp cheese.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle warmth and a little bite. It balances the creamy cheese without making the dish spicy.
• A pinch of paprika or chili flakes (optional): This adds a tiny kick and a bit of color. You can leave it out if you prefer a mild, classic cheese sauce.

Recommended Equipment

1. A large pot – for boiling the broccoli.
2. A colander – to drain the hot water.
3. A medium saucepan – for the cheese sauce.
4. A whisk – to make the sauce smooth.
5. A measuring cup and spoons – for accuracy.

How To Make Outback Steakhouse Broccoli at Home

Step 1 | Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli head under cool water. Cut the broccoli into florets. You want them to be bite-sized. Try to make them all about the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2 | Cook the Broccoli

Fill your large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.

Let them cook for exactly one minute. This step, called blanching, makes the broccoli bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 3 | Drain the Broccoli

Immediately pour the broccoli and water into your colander in the sink. Let all the hot water drain away. This stops the broccoli from cooking more.

Step 4 | Start the Cheese Sauce

In your medium saucepan, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, add the tablespoon of flour.

Use your whisk to mix them together. Keep whisking for about two minutes. This cooks the flour and gets rid of its raw taste.

Step 5 | Add the Milk

Slowly pour the cup of milk into the butter and flour mixture. Keep whisking as you pour.

This prevents lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 6 | Add Cheese and Seasoning

Turn the heat down to low. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Now, add the garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together one more time.

Step 7 | Combine and Serve

Place the drained broccoli florets in a large serving bowl. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the top. Gently toss the broccoli until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little paprika on top. Your homemade Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe is ready to enjoy!

Chef Secret Tips for Best Results

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese and gives you a creamier sauce.
• Keep the Sauce on Low Heat: Once the cheese is added, keep the heat low. High heat can make the sauce grainy or oily.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a big enough skillet. If the broccoli is piled on top of each other, it will steam and get soft instead of getting coated.
• Dry the Broccoli Well: Shake the broccoli in the colander to remove extra water. Too much moisture can thin the cheese sauce.
• Season Slowly: Add seasoning a little at a time and taste. This helps avoid over-salting.
• Add Sauce Right Before Serving: The sauce can separate or get thick if it sits. Combine the broccoli and sauce just before bringing it to the table for best texture.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

This broccoli pairs beautifully with grilled meats. At Outback Steakhouse, they serve it alongside steaks, chicken, and seafood.

I love putting it next to a juicy grilled chicken breast or a perfectly seared ribeye. The creamy cheese sauce balances the smoky flavors from the grill.

You can also serve this as part of a vegetable medley. Place it next to roasted carrots or mashed potatoes for a complete plate.

For presentation, spoon the broccoli onto individual plates or keep it family-style in a large bowl.

The paprika garnish adds a pop of red-orange color that makes the dish look professional. You can also add a tiny pat of butter on top right before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

1. Proper Storage Methods: Let the broccoli cool completely. Place it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days.

2. Reheating Without Ruining Texture: The best way to reheat is in a skillet. Warm it over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid making it mushy.

Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe FAQs

1. What seasoning does Outback use on their broccoli?

Outback uses a simple blend focused on butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. The flavor comes from balance, not heavy spice. Garlic powder gives steady taste without sharp bite.

Butter coats each floret evenly. Light seasoning allows the broccoli flavor to stay clear while still feeling rich and comforting.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For thicker sauce, cook the milk mixture a bit longer or add more cheese. For thinner, splash in extra milk while whisking.

Start with the recipe amounts and adjust as it simmers. This lets you get the perfect cling to the broccoli.

3. My broccoli turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

This usually means there was too much water left on the broccoli before you added the butter.

Make sure to let the steaming water fully evaporate from the pan before adding the butter. Also, always pat your broccoli dry after washing.

4. Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger saucepan and stir often so the sauce heats evenly.

When increasing amounts, keep the same cooking times. Avoid rushing the sauce thickening step, as larger batches need steady heat to stay smooth.

5. Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is very beginner-friendly. The steps are simple and forgiving. Stirring slowly, watching heat levels, and following timing closely help avoid mistakes.

Even with little cooking experience, the result comes together smoothly and tastes balanced.

This Outback Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe brings simple steps and rich flavor together in one easy dish. The creamy sauce and tender texture rival the original version closely.

Cooking it at home saves time while keeping that familiar taste everyone looks for.