Elevate your veggie game with this High Protein Cheesy Broccoli recipe — a hearty, flavor-packed dish that's as nutritious as it is satisfying! Perfect for vegetarians and protein enthusiasts alike, this recipe combines tender steamed broccoli florets, golden sautéed tofu crumbles, and creamy chickpeas, all smothered in a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce infused with garlic powder and nutritional yeast for an irresistible umami kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish delivers a balanced mix of plant-based protein, vibrant greens, and cheesy indulgence, making it an excellent choice for a comforting main course or side dish. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or serving up a wholesome family dinner, this dish is sure to please.
Begin by steaming the broccoli florets in a large pot with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
While the broccoli is steaming, drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels. Press gently to remove excess moisture.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pressed tofu and crumble it using a spatula. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet with the tofu and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking continuously.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, continuing to whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cheddar cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the steamed broccoli and the tofu-chickpea mixture to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Lower the heat and let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Serve the high protein cheesy broccoli warm as a side dish or a nutritious main course.
Calories |
1712 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.6 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.0 g | 225% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 208 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 3484 mg | 151% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.0 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.5 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.3 g | ||
| Protein | 106.3 g | 213% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 2758 mg | 212% | |
| Iron | 17.1 mg | 95% | |
| Potassium | 1819 mg | 39% | |
*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.