When you need a quick and easy meal that is also cozy, this may be the recipe of your dreams. The WW Broccoli Cheese Casserole is cozy, creamy, and loaded with soft broccoli. A dish that can be made with little effort but that sits well on the table. It is commonly served as a side with chicken or fish, but can also be a main dish to make a light meal. Since it is prepared using basic ingredients, you should not have to worry about difficult-to-get elements. The WW Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a way to make dinner warm and comfortable, and also lighter and healthier.
STATS:
- Diet: compatible with Weight Watchers
- Preparation time: fifteen minutes
- Course: Side dish / light main
- Cuisine: American
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Working time (total): 45 minutes
- Size/serving: 6 servings
- Total yield: 1 medium casserole dish
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Mode of cooking: Oven baking
EQUIPMENT:
- Medium pot for steaming broccoli
- Strainer or colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & knife
- Oven-safe casserole dish
- Non-stick spray/light oil brush
INGREDIENTS:
- Four cups of fresh broccoli florets, cooked till crisp-tender
- One cup of reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- A single serving of plain Greek yogurt without fat
- One can of (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup that is 98% fat-free.
- 1 little onion, diced finely
- One minced garlic clove
- 1⁄2 a teaspoon of black pepper
- Half a teaspoon of optional paprika for color
- 1/2 a cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs, or simple panko
- Half a teaspoon of salt
INGREDIENT NOTES:
Broccoli:
- The fresh broccoli adds a taste and crunch to the dish. Steam it somewhat so that it does not lose shape or color. Frozen broccoli can also be used after thawing and draining.
Cheddar cheese:
- Fat-free cheddar also melts, keeping the casserole creamy. Freshly shredded is desirable when melting. Excess cheese will make the dish heavy; therefore, measure it.
Greek yogurt:
- Greek yogurt is creamy without being excessively fatty. It is very compatible with the soup to form the sauce. Fat-free or low-fat will be all right.
Cream of mushroom soup:
- This makes it tastier and serves to hold it all together. Use the 98 percent fat-free version to make it light. You can use cream of chicken in its place.
Breadcrumbs:
- Lightly sprinkle with whole wheat or panko. Sprinkle before baking, to keep them crisp. You can leave them off, if you wish, in favor of a softer finish.
DIRECTIONS:
- Set your oven temperature to 175°C (350°F).
- Broccoli should be steamed for five minutes till it’s crisp-tender. Make sure to drain thoroughly.
- Put the yogurt, cream of mushroom soup, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl. While smooth, whisk.
- Add half the cheese and the steamed broccoli and stir. Stir till covered.
- Apply a thin layer of oil or spray to the casserole dish.
- Pour the components into the dish and distribute them evenly.
- Scatter the remaining cheese over top.
- Evenly distribute crumbs of bread on top of the cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, till brown and bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Before distributing, give to it rest for five minutes.
TIPS:
- Strain the broccoli to make the casserole not mushy.
- Reduced-fat cheese to reduce calories.
- Make the blend in advance and bake shortly before eating.
- Use with grilled chicken or baked fish to make a complete meal.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- You can keep the remaining food for the next three days in an airtight box/jar. When you eat it, you need to warm it in the oven.
FREEZER:
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for at least 1 month. Stir overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, thaw and drain to prevent additional liquid.
Will I be able to do it without breadcrumbs?
- Really, it will still taste good, but not as crunchy on the top.
So what can I substitute for mushroom soup?
- Also, cream of chicken or celery soup.
Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, take a bigger casserole dish and give it some extra minutes in the oven.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 145
Carbs: 14 g
Iron: 6% DV
Total carbs: 14 g
Vitamin A: 18% DV
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 15% DV
Protein: 10 g
Iron: 6% DV
Serving size: 1 cup
Sodium: 340 mg
Serving: 6
Potassium: 420 mg
The estimated number of calories in a serving of the Weight Watchers Broccoli Cheese Casserole is 4 points.