Low Fat Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of this "Low Fat Broccoli with Cheese Sauce," a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for those watching their calorie intake, this recipe combines tender-crisp steamed broccoli with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The sauce is thickened to perfection using a light roux, seasoned with garlic and onion powder for a subtle yet rich flavor profile. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a nutrient-packed, guilt-free dish that works beautifully as a nutritious side or even a light vegetarian main course. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to option for busy weeknights or family dinners.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Broccoli florets
- 1.5 cups Low-fat milk
- 1 cup Reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
Instructions
Start by prepping the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets if not already done, and steam them until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The flour should turn a light golden color but should not brown.
Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese a little at a time until fully melted and smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
Pour the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli florets and gently toss to coat the broccoli evenly with the sauce.
Serve the broccoli with cheese sauce immediately while warm. Enjoy as a healthy side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.7 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1598 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.5 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 58.8 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 1433 mg | 110% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 128 mg | 3% | |
*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.
