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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups cooked quinoa - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup creamy Greek yogurt - 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To create a delicious Broccoli and Cheese Casserole, we need fresh and tasty ingredients. The fresh broccoli florets give this dish a bright color and crunch. They are also packed with vitamins. Using cooked quinoa adds protein and makes the dish hearty. Now, for the creamy part—sharp cheddar cheese gives a strong flavor. Greek yogurt keeps it rich and creamy without being too heavy. The milk, whether regular or almond, ties everything together. Next, we add the seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the flavor without making it too strong. You can add salt and pepper to fit your taste. For the topping, whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Olive oil helps them brown nicely. Paprika adds just a hint of spice, while Parmesan cheese gives an extra layer of flavor if you choose to use it. With these ingredients, you're on your way to making a cozy and comforting casserole. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Steam broccoli florets until bright green, about 3-4 minutes. To steam the broccoli, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket over the pot. Make sure the water does not touch the broccoli. When the water is boiling, add the florets to the basket. Cover and let them steam until tender. This method keeps the broccoli crisp and bright. - Combine quinoa, cheese, yogurt, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl. - Fold in steamed broccoli gently. In this step, you mix cooked quinoa for added protein and texture. The cheese adds creaminess, while the yogurt makes it rich. Milk also helps to keep the dish moist. Use a spatula to fold in the broccoli gently. You want to keep the pieces whole for great texture. - Transfer to a baking dish and spread evenly. - Prepare breadcrumb topping and sprinkle over the casserole. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. After mixing, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out so it cooks evenly. For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and spices. This adds a nice crunch. Bake the casserole until the top is golden and bubbly. This will create a warm, comforting dish that shines at any meal. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the best texture, use cooked quinoa. Quinoa adds a nice bite and protein. Make sure it is fluffy, not mushy. It helps hold the casserole together. Cheese variety matters too. Sharp cheddar gives a strong taste. You can mix it with mozzarella for creaminess. This blend keeps the dish rich and flavorful. Pair this casserole with a simple salad or roasted chicken. The fresh flavors balance the rich cheese. For a colorful touch, garnish with parsley or chives. It makes the dish pop on the plate. For a gluten-free option, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well for the topping. If you want a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and focus on the veggies. You can add more broccoli or other greens for extra nutrients. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Gouda adds a smoky flavor. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Feel free to mix cheeses for a fun twist! You can make this casserole heartier by adding protein. Cooked chicken or beans work great. You can also add more veggies. Bell peppers or carrots add color and taste! If you're looking for lighter options, try low-fat cheese or dairy-free yogurt. You can also use whole grain breadcrumbs for more fiber. Quinoa is a great base for a healthier touch. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients above. To keep your broccoli and cheese casserole fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from the fridge getting into your dish. You can keep it there for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. This way, it can last for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To keep the texture right, reheating in the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top. You can use a microwave if you're in a hurry, but it may make the casserole a bit soggy. Heat it in short bursts of about 1 minute. Check it often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your cheesy broccoli bliss from the comfort of your kitchen! For the full recipe, check out the original instructions. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also swap out quinoa for another gluten-free grain. Quinoa adds great protein and texture, making it a smart choice. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. First, follow all the steps until you are ready to bake it. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. If you need a substitute for Greek yogurt, you have several options. You can use sour cream for a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended smooth. Both choices keep the casserole creamy and tasty. This blog post outlined a tasty and healthy casserole recipe. We covered fresh ingredients, creamy elements, and seasonings that add flavor. I provided clear steps from preparation to baking, along with tips for perfecting the dish. You learned options for variations and dietary needs, plus storage advice. Now, you have the tools to make a delightful casserole that suits your taste. Enjoy creating this nutritious meal that can fit any table!

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Casserole! This delightful dish features fresh broccoli, protein-packed quinoa, and a creamy blend of cheddar and Greek yogurt. Perfect as a side or main course, it’s easy to make and bound to please your whole family. Want to try it out? Click through for the full recipe and bring cheesy goodness to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups cooked quinoa (for added protein and texture)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup creamy Greek yogurt

1/2 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of spice)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil and briefly steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Fold in the steamed broccoli gently into the cheesy mixture until evenly distributed.

          Transfer the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

            In a small bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs with olive oil, paprika, and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are coated.

              Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

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

                  Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Enjoy it as a side dish or main course!