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Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

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This creamy broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar is the perfect side dish for any gathering. It’s quick, easy, and packed with crunchy broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli, chopped into small bite-sized florets
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lay bacon strips in a single layer and bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble.
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut into small bite-sized florets (about 1 inch). Peel thick stems and slice thinly into rounds.
  3. Shred cheddar cheese using the large holes of a box grater. Finely dice red onion. If desired, soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain and pat dry.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk or shake until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries (if using). Toss gently.
  6. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavors meld and the broccoli softens slightly while retaining crunch. This salad can be made a day ahead and tastes even better the next day. If serving over several days, keep dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain crunch. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, bacon cheddar broccoli salad, easy broccoli salad, potluck salad, summer side dish

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/creamy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-and-cheddar-best-easy-recipe/