Heart-Healthy Baked Cheese
Indulge guilt-free with this flavorful Heart-Healthy Baked Cheese recipe, a nutritious twist on classic comfort food! Made with reduced-fat mozzarella, creamy non-fat Greek yogurt, and a wholesome layer of vibrant veggies like spinach and red bell pepper, this dish combines deliciously melty cheese with a dose of wellness. A crispy topping of whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, adds irresistible texture and a burst of flavor. Perfectly baked in marinara sauce for a hearty finish, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in just 40 minutes and packed with heart-healthy ingredients. Whether served as a main or side dish, it’s a wholesome option great for weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and Greek yogurt, mixing until well blended and smooth.
Spread the low-sodium marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish.
Evenly distribute the chopped spinach and diced red bell pepper over the marinara sauce.
Spoon the cheese and yogurt mixture over the vegetables, spreading it out with the back of the spoon to cover evenly.
In a small bowl, stir together the whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm, and enjoy your heart-healthy baked cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1054 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.9 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.5 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1944 mg | 85% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.0 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.1 g | ||
| Protein | 81.5 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1892 mg | 146% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1139 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
