Heart-Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Elevate your mealtime with this Heart-Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole, a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Packed with vibrant, blanched broccoli florets and enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from low-fat sharp cheddar, almond milk, and nutritional yeast, this recipe blends indulgence with mindful eating. Whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs add a wholesome touch, while a hint of garlic, Dijon mustard, and paprika provides a flavorful kick. Baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping, this casserole is guilt-free indulgence at its finest. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and serves as an excellent side dish or light entrée for those looking to balance taste and heart health. Keywords: broccoli cheese casserole, heart-healthy recipe, low-fat cheese, nutritious comfort food, wholesome casserole ideas.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add whole wheat flour to the skillet and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and almond milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
Lower the heat and stir in the low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar cheese, nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce. Mix until all the broccoli is well coated.
Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and transfer the broccoli mixture into it, spreading evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy this heart-healthy delight with your family!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.7 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.7 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 2676 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.6 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 78.4 g | 157% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1873 mg | 144% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2055 mg | 44% | |
*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.
