What is broccoli cheese?
The traditional mac and cheese is without a doubt one of my favourite meals, unfortunately, it’s a very unhealthy meal. I’m all for a bit of what you love, in a healthier way. That’s when replacing the macaroni with broccoli was inspired, I really love this low calorie alternative. Of course the obvious option would be to do a cauliflower cheese recipe but as much as I admire cauliflower I think it spends enough time in the spotlight. Broccoli really deserves some time to shine. This is also a great way to get kids eating those little trees! The best part about macaroni cheese is the indulgent cheese sauce. Your getting just that with broccoli cheese. By using low fat cheeses and no butter in the sauce the calories are kept nice and low. This can be a weekly staple in your house too! P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow me on socials so that you never miss any of my healthy recipes for weight loss.
Why is broccoli cheese healthy?
Beyond its delectable taste, this broccoli cheese bake packs a nutritional punch. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, promoting overall health and well-being. The low-fat cream cheese and cheddar, along with the use of milk and just a touch of parmesan, contribute to a creamy texture without compromising on health. The addition of paprika and mustard not only enhances the flavour profile but also introduces antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Do you have a diet restriction?
Broccoli Cheese is a great recipe option for people with the following restrictive diets:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free
- Low GI
- Ultra Processed Food Free
Ultra processed food free recipes are recipes that use ingredients where no additives have been used. This will include ingredients that can be made at home to be UPF free such as stock cubes, sauces and seasonings.
Preheat your oven to 180C. Start by thoroughly cleaning and trimming a head of broccoli. Slice off the florets, ensuring they are bite-sized. Steam or par boil the broccoli until it reaches a tender yet slightly crisp texture. This should only take 5 minutes. This will ensure the broccoli maintains its vibrant colour and retains a pleasant bite. Arrange the broccoli florets in an ovenproof dish, ensuring an even layer, and preheat the oven to 180°C for the subsequent steps.
In a saucepan, measure 200ml of your preferred milk and add 1 tablespoon of corn flour. Whisk the mixture until the corn flour dissolves completely, ensuring a lump-free consistency. Gently heat the mixture on the stove, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. As the mixture thickens, introduce 100g of low-fat cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of parmesan, 1 tablespoon of paprika, ¼ teaspoon of mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring for an additional minute, allowing the flavours to meld into a luxurious, creamy sauce.
Pour the velvety sauce evenly over the bed of broccoli, ensuring each floret is coated with the decadent mixture. Top the dish with a generous sprinkle of 10g of grated low-fat cheddar, evenly distributing it to achieve a golden and crispy finish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Monitor the bake until the cheese topping achieves a golden hue, creating a visually appealing and irresistibly aromatic masterpiece.
Broccoli cheese variations:
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Duo: Elevate the dish by incorporating cauliflower alongside broccoli, creating a dynamic and visually appealing combination.
- Whole Wheat Crust Topping: For a wholesome twist, consider topping the broccoli cheese bake with a whole wheat breadcrumb crust, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Herb-Infused Cheese Sauce: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to infuse the cheese sauce with additional layers of flavor, creating a herbaceous twist.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: While fresh broccoli is recommended for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have available. Ensure it’s thawed and well-drained before proceeding with the recipe.
Q: Is there a substitute for low-fat cream cheese?
A: Certainly! You can use full-fat cream cheese or explore alternatives like Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for richness.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the broccoli and sauce ahead of time, assemble, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for a piping hot and fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Q: How can I make the dish more protein-rich?
A: Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to the broccoli base for an extra protein boost without compromising the creamy and cheesy goodness of the dish.
Now that you’ve made broccoli cheese, check out my latest recipes:
- Gluten Free Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Green Goddess Salad With Avocado
- Healthy Tuscan Chicken
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- Healthy Vegan Lentil Dhal
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Broccoli Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli steamed or boiled
- 100 g cream cheeese low fat
- 1 tbsp corn flour
- 1 tbsp parmesan
- 10 g cheddar low fat
- 200 ml milk of your choice
- 1 tbsp paprika
- ¼ tsp mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam or boil 1 head of broccoli florets and place in an oven proof dish. Pre heat oven to 180c1 head of broccoli
- Measure 200ml of milk and 1 tablespoon of corn flour and mix well. Heat gently in a saucepan stirring constantly. Once thickened add in cream cheese, parmesan, paprika, mustard, salt and pepper and heat for one more minute, continuing to stir.100 g cream cheeese, 1 tbsp corn flour, 1 tbsp parmesan, 200 ml milk, 1 tbsp paprika, ¼ tsp mustard, salt and pepper
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli and top with grated cheddar cheese. Heat in the oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese has gone golden on top.10 g cheddar
- Enjoy your yummy healthy dinner and tag me in photos on Instagram @HealthyHeartyWholesome
