Heart-Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this Heart-Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole—a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines tender blanched broccoli florets with a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made from low-fat sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and nutrient-packed nutritional yeast, all thickened with whole wheat flour and enriched with the savory goodness of garlic and Dijon mustard. Finished with a golden, crunchy topping of whole wheat breadcrumbs and paprika, this casserole is baked to bubbling perfection in just 30 minutes. With heart-smart ingredients like olive oil, almond milk, and low-sodium vegetable broth, it’s a nutritious, flavorful choice for a family dinner or holiday side dish. Serve this delectable, plant-forward dish warm, and let every bite feel both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for those looking for healthy, cheesy casseroles that don’t compromise flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add whole wheat flour to the skillet and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 5

Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and almond milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens.

Step 6

Lower the heat and stir in the low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar cheese, nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce. Mix until all the broccoli is well coated.

Step 8

Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and transfer the broccoli mixture into it, spreading evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy this heart-healthy delight with your family!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1146.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1310.0

Total Fat 64.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 2676.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 9.3g
Protein 78.4g	0%

Vitamin D 123.8IU	0%
Calcium 1873.2mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 2055.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 29.5%