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Healthy Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/healthy-broccoli-casserole-recipe/