Healthy Broccoli Cheese Bake

This healthy broccoli cheese bake recipe, made with bell peppers, mushrooms, and whole-wheat bread crumbs, is a more wholesome variation on a classic.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 235 Calories

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk, heated
• 7 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed, well drained on paper towel
• 1 cup fresh whole-grain bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits
• 0.5 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt, divided
• 0.25 cup shredded Romano cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper; cook and stir until begins to brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; stir until well combined, about 1 minute. Add milk and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in broccoli, Cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons Romano cheese. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Toss bread crumbs with remaining 2 tablespoons Romano cheese; sprinkle over casserole and dot with butter.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until top is golden and casserole is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Cool before serving, 5 minutes.