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This Healthy Broccoli Casserole is quite simple and so delicious. It is made with fresh broccoli and mushrooms and no cream or cheese. This perfect side dish recipe for the holidays that’s low in carbs and can be put together in no time.
My green bean casserole is also great and easy to make.
This easy broccoli casserole recipe is very tasty without all the added cream and cheese. It can be made vegan by using non-dairy milk. To make this casserole recipe gluten-free, use the GF panko breadcrumbs. With holiday dinner tables being packed jammed with all sorts of creamy casseroles, having a healthier option sounds so welcoming. To learn how to cut the fresh broccoli head for this broccoli casserole, you can check my post on how to cut broccoli.
You may also love this Baked Chicken Alfredo or this easy zucchini casserole.
Ingredients you will need
- Broccoli Florets cut into bite-size pieces: I prefer using fresh broccoli.
- Oil: Olive Oil works greats but you may swap with another oil.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves, minced
- Yellow or White sweet Onion, diced
- Button Mushrooms, sliced or quartered
- Smoked Paprika
- Low-fat Milk or milk of choice, dairy or nondairy like coconut milk (in can)
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- Whole-wheat Panko Breadcrumbs, Or Gluten-free
How to make Broccoli Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking oil spray. set aside.
Add the broccoli florets to a steaming basket and place it over a pot with boiling water. Cover and steam until just tender, then transfer the broccoli to the prepared casserole.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, mushrooms, and smoked paprika and continue to cook, stirring occasionally for 5-6 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat whisk milk, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, until it starts to thicken, 2-3 minutes. Transfer the onion mushroom mix to the casserole, and pour over the milk sauce.
Clean the pan with a paper towel, and lightly spray with cooking oil spray. Stir the breadcrumbs over medium heat, until golden, then sprinkle over the casserole. Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- If you want to use frozen broccoli, you can. Even though I prefer using fresh broccoli.
- If using frozen broccoli, allow it to thaw and drain the excess liquid.
- I recommend using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
How to make this Broccoli Casserole Keto-friendly
Easy substitutions to make this broccoli casserole keto
- Use Almond meal instead of panko
- Add about one cup of heavy cream when sauteeing the mushrooms
- Sprinkle some cheese over everything before placing in the oven
The cheese and heavy cream are mainly if you are looking for a high-fat meal. Simply substituting the panko with some almond meal should be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is safe to freeze any leftover broccoli casserole. Place in an airtight container before you store it for up to 1-2 months.
Tightly wrap or store your broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They keep in the freezer for 1-2 months. They can be reheated in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 F.
Yes. You can use frozen broccoli florets to make broccoli casserole. Both fresh and frozen broccoli can be used to make broccoli casserole. The cooking time will vary. Fresh broccoli takes a bit longer to cook than frozen.
What to serve with Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is the perfect side dish that will pretty much go with any of your main meals or roasts. Like Roasted Chicken, Pot Roasts, Steaks, Grilled Seafood, and so on. Here are a few dishes you can serve this Healthy Broccoli casserole with:
- Easy Garlic Herb Turkey Roast Recipe
- Oven Roasted Maple Turkey Breast
- Crispy Baked Salmon
- Oven-fried Chicken Tenders
- Creamy Chicken Potato Bake
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
More Casserole Recipes
- Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Healthy Tuna Casserole
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Baked Potato and Mushroom Casserole
- Taco Casserole Recipe
Thanks for stopping by. I want to hear from you if you try this. Please come back and give me some feedback in the comments below.
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Healthy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Cup Button Mushrooms, sliced or quartered
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 Cup Low-fat Milk or milk of choice , dairy or non-dairy
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Whole-Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs, Or Gluten-free
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking oil spray. Set aside.
- To steam the broccoli, add the broccoli florets to a steaming basket and place it over a pot with boiling water. Cover and steam until just tender.
- Transfer the steamed broccoli to the prepared casserole dish. And set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, mushrooms, and smoked paprika and continue to cook, stirring occasionally for 5-6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat whisk milk, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, until starts to thicken, 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the onion mushroom mix to the casserole, and pour over the milk sauce. Clean the pan with a paper towel, and lightly spray with cooking oil spray.
- Stir the breadcrumbs over medium heat, until golden, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use non-dairy milk for a vegan version
- Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
- For a Gluten-free Version, use gluten-free panko
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I poured the onion mixture in and then the milk mixture in on top of that as I mis-read it. I hope it still comes out ok.
Is it ok to skip bread crumbs ?
Yes. you can
Hi-should the casserole go in without a cover?
yes. Its also up to you but its not needed.
Fixed this for my son. He is on a fat free diet. Loved it and requested me to make this often.
Thanks for a very healthy recipe.
So glad your son loved it!
GOOD
Thank you!
What about adding chicken?
Yes you can add chicken
Thanks! I’m going to try it tonight.
Will this turn out just as well if I prepare and store in the refrigerator ahead of time and bake the next day?
Hi. Yes. It should be fine to prepare ahead
Did you make in advance?
Wanted to make for Christmas dinner and was wondering if I could make it tonight and heat up on Friday.
Wow! Finally a delicious recipe for broccoli casserole without tons of fat. I used fresh broccoli and mushrooms. Prepared exactly as instructed (except I used gf bread crumbs) and it turned out perfectly. Lots of flavor!
It would probably pair with just about anything.
Great recipe, Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you loved it.
What about adding chicken?
forgot to buy milk wht can i use instead
Rena I have no milk at all can I use chicken or beef broth instead
Hi there. Yes, you can!
Is there anything i could replace the mushrooms with?
You can make it without the mushrooms
this looks so delicious that i have given it a 5 star rating though i have not yet made it. I have never used smoked paprika before, so i am anxious about the flavor, but i am loving everything that goes into this healthy casserole. I want to know if i can prepare it and before adding bread crumbs, store it in the refrigerator over night. I would saute the bread crumbs just before putting into the oven the next day. How many frozen florets would be needed to serve 12? i am asking because, in these troubled times, who can know what will be available at the grocery store? Thanks for this tasty-sounding recipe and for your help in preparing it.
Hi Lynda. If you are nervous about the smoked paprika use regular or skip. Also, yes you prepare ahead and store in the fridge. As for how much broccoli to use, every 1 cup is one serving. 1 floret is about 2 servings.
I made it exactly by the recipe and it was delicous!
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked it.
This was good but too much paprika. I also added some cooked chicken to turn it into an entree. Thanks!
Thank you
this turned out very well! I skipped breadcrumbs as i did not have any. Instead i used bell pepper and some grated cheese on top. Thanks for the recipe!
That sounds amazing too! glad you liked it and thanks for the feedback!
I have it in the oven now! I did make two little tweaks. I shredded about a cup of Monterey Jack cheese and put over the broccoli and used 1/2 cup of whipping cream and 1/2 cup of skim milk. Maybe not as healthy but it does smell delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
Happy you liked it!
I just made it. It was great but the cream needs more flavor.. next time I will add Chicken broth to the sauce
Great idea
What’s the serving size?
Hi. A small bowl
thanks for this i will surely try it
Thank you!