Healthy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This healthy broccoli casserole is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables. Packed with creamy sauce, mushrooms, and melty cheddar cheese, it makes a perfect side dish or light main course. It’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 8 cups broccoli florets (about 4 heads)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms (finely chopped)
• 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: Steam broccoli florets for a few minutes until just slightly tender but not fully cooked. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add chopped mushrooms and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant. Transfer mixture to the bowl with broccoli.
4. Step 4: In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Greek yogurt.
6. Step 6: Pour the sauce into the bowl with the broccoli and mushrooms. Add the beaten egg, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of breadcrumbs. Stir until well combined. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the remaining breadcrumbs and stir to coat. Mix in the remaining cheddar cheese. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30–40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. To prevent over-browning, cover with foil after 30 minutes if needed. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and half and half with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese.
• Add cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier main dish.
• Using panko breadcrumbs can add extra crunch to the topping.
• Swap cheddar cheese with gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes to restore crispness on top.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Is it necessary to steam the broccoli before baking?

Steaming the broccoli slightly softens it, ensuring it cooks evenly in the casserole without becoming too mushy. However, if you prefer a crunchier texture, you can skip this step and bake the broccoli raw, just keep an eye on the baking time.

Healthy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

This Healthy Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fresh broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce, mushrooms, onions, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light main course, it balances flavor and health with Greek yogurt, moderate use of cheese, and steamed broccoli. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a comforting dish that fits well in a health-conscious meal plan.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 8 cup broccoli florets (about 4 heads)
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms (finely chopped)
• 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Fat and Dairy

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 1 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

Other

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (divided)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside for later use.
2. Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets just until tender but still crisp, avoiding full cooking. Once steamed, place them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Sauté Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped cremini mushrooms and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until they become translucent and fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the bowl with broccoli.
4. Make Roux: Using the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
5. Add Milk and Spices: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half-and-half until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a low simmer, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and Greek yogurt to add creaminess and tang.
6. Combine Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce into the large bowl containing the broccoli and sautéed vegetables. Add the lightly beaten egg, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Toss in the remaining breadcrumbs and stir to coat with the butter. Mix in the remaining cheddar cheese and set this crumbly topping aside.
8. Assemble and Bake: Pour the broccoli mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese topping uniformly over the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. To prevent excessive browning, cover the dish loosely with foil at the 30-minute mark. Once baked, remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Steaming broccoli rather than boiling helps retain nutrients and crispness.
• Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream reduces fat while maintaining creaminess.
• Covering with foil during baking prevents the topping from burning.
• Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko for a crunchier texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: healthy broccoli casserole, broccoli casserole, baked broccoli casserole, low fat casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, vegetable casserole