Why Make This Recipe

Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a delicious and healthier option for comfort food lovers. It combines fresh broccoli and cauliflower rice with creamy cheese to create a delightful dish that is easy to make. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, ensuring everyone gets a tasty serving of veggies without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

8 cups raw broccoli florets
1 bag (12 oz) frozen cauliflower rice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken, and room temperature works best)
1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup panko
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Steam the fresh broccoli by microwaving it in a large bowl for 3 minutes. If you prefer softer broccoli, try microwaving for 5 minutes. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven.
Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the skillet and sauté until thawed, about 5-7 minutes.
Once thawed, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir until the flour absorbs the oil and looks lumpy.
While stirring, pour in 2 cups of broth and 1/4 cup of milk. Keep stirring until the mixture simmers and thickens, about 7-8 minutes.
Turn off the heat, then add 2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts, then add the steamed broccoli florets.
Mix everything together and pour it into an oven-safe casserole dish.
Optional: Mix 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, and 1 tablespoon parsley. Sprinkle this on top of the broccoli mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, then enjoy!

How to Serve Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Serve this casserole warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh salad. You can also sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a colorful finish.

How to Store Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole

For added flavor, consider adding some cooked bacon or diced ham.
Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a unique taste.
If you want a bit more spice, add some red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.

Variation

You can easily turn this recipe into a vegetarian option by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower. Just chop it into small pieces and steam it before adding it to the dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for the Panko?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you don’t have Panko on hand. They will add a similar crunch.