Creamy Sauces

Hollandaise sauce, famously paired with eggs Benedict, can replace butter on steamed broccoli. Hollandaise sauce is made from raw egg yolks cooked gently by slowly adding warm clarified butter. You can also make Hollandaise sauce using a powdered mix sold in the supermarket spice section; it comes without sanitation concerns and whips up in a matter of minutes. Hollandaise sauce with shallots, fresh tarragon and freshly ground black pepper -- called Bernaise sauce -- is another yummy companion for steamed broccoli.

Flavored Oils

A little oil heated in the microwave or on the stove can be spiced up with some herbs or spices that complement the menu. Garlic, onion and shallots pair well with broccoli and oil. More exotic flavors include curry, za'atar or garam masala when serving steamed broccoli with couscous, curry dishes, and other foods from the Mediterranean and Middle East. Chili powder and achiote adds spice to Southwestern and south-of-the-border menus. Herbs de Provence pair classically with French foods.

Vinaigrettes

Warm steamed broccoli tossed in vinaigrette salad dressings make a zesty dish that can easily be customized to any menu. You can add a little grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese or crumble some feta or blue cheese on top of the broccoli and vinaigrette. Grated lemon and orange zest add a citrusy fresh flavor. Sliced almonds and sesame seeds can also top vinaigrette-dressed steamed broccoli.

Cheese Sauces

Creamy, cheese-based toppings are a good choice with steamed broccoli. Blue cheese salad dressing is a quick easy sauce, as are any other cheesey salad dressings your family likes. The cheese flavoring mix that comes with every box of mac and cheese is just as good on broccoli as it is on macaroni. You can serve classic Caesar dressing laced with Parmesan cheese when serving steamed broccoli with fish or seafood.