Weight Watchers Broccoli Cheese Casserole: A Delicious Low-Point Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the nutritious benefits of broccoli with creamy cheese, making it a popular choice for family dinners and gatherings. This Weight Watchers-friendly version is designed to be lower in points while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this casserole is both easy to prepare and a delight to eat.

Why Choose a Weight Watchers Broccoli Cheese Casserole?

This casserole is a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while cheese adds creaminess and flavor without piling on excessive calories. This recipe has been thoughtfully crafted to fit into a Weight Watchers plan, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dish without sacrificing your health goals.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup (240ml) fat-free milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (120g) reduced-fat cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) whole wheat bread crumbs (optional for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for sautéing)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 21g

Weight Watchers Points

  • Total SmartPoints: 5 per serving (based on the recipe yielding six servings)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

  1. Wash and Cut Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat.
  2. Blanch the Broccoli: In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

  1. Combine Cream Cheese and Milk: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened reduced-fat cream cheese with the fat-free milk. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Cheddar and Parmesan: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. The mixture should be thick and cheesy.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

  1. Add Seasonings: Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the casserole and add depth.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Combine Broccoli and Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the cheese mixture, stirring until the broccoli is evenly coated.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Topping

  1. Prepare the Bread Crumb Topping: If using, mix the whole wheat bread crumbs with a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) to lightly coat the crumbs. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
  2. Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the casserole for a crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

  1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  1. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly.
  2. Serve: Scoop the casserole into bowls and enjoy! This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Step 9: Store Leftovers

  1. Cool and Store: If you have any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat Properly: When reheating, cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quick option.

Step 10: Customize Your Casserole

  1. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu to the broccoli and cheese mixture before baking. Adjust the points accordingly based on additional ingredients.
  2. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and variety of the dish.

Step 11: Make It Dairy-Free

  1. Dairy-Free Option: To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives. Adjust the nutritional values based on the substitutes used.
  2. Seasoning Adjustments: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning, to customize the flavor profile of the casserole to your liking.

Additional Tips and Insights

  • Broccoli Alternatives: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen florets can be used if you’re short on time. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before mixing.
  • Batch Cooking: This casserole is excellent for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and store it in portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
  • Nutritional Boost: Adding a handful of nutritional yeast to the cheese mixture can provide an extra cheesy flavor while adding B vitamins.
  • Kid-Friendly Dish: This casserole is a great way to sneak in vegetables for picky eaters. The creamy cheese sauce makes it appealing to children and adults alike.

Conclusion

Weight Watchers Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a satisfying, low-point dish that brings together nutritious ingredients in a delicious way. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a perfect comfort food that fits seamlessly into a healthy eating plan.

Whether served as a side or a main dish, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the goodness of broccoli and the richness of cheese without the guilt, and savor each bite of this flavorful, nutritious meal.