Crustless Broccoli and Cheese Bake

Transform your everyday vegetables into an irresistible dinner with this crustless broccoli and cheese bake. This dish combines the nutritional powerhouse of broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds. Originally inspired by French gratins but lightened up for modern healthy eating, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavors while keeping preparation surprisingly simple.

Ingredients

For the Vegetable Base:

  • 2.2 pounds (1 kg) broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green bell peppers, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (8g) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk (for boiling broccoli)

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1¾ cups (420ml) milk
  • 5 tablespoons (75ml) olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (8g) salt
  • 1 packet (10g) baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

For Topping:

  • 3.5 ounces (100g) cheese, grated (cheddar or mozzarella)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables (20 minutes):

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
  2. Wash and cut broccoli into uniform florets
  3. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon milk
  4. Blanch broccoli for 7-8 minutes until crisp-tender
  5. Meanwhile, dice peppers and onion
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet
  7. Sauté peppers and onions until softened (5-7 minutes)
  8. Drain broccoli and set aside

Making the Sauce (10 minutes):

  1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until light and fluffy
  2. Add milk and olive oil, whisk to combine
  3. Gradually add flour, whisking constantly to prevent lumps
  4. Add salt, baking powder, and chopped dill
  5. Mix until smooth and well combined

Assembly and Baking (30 minutes):

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish
  2. Arrange blanched broccoli and sautéed vegetables in the dish
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over vegetables
  4. Sprinkle grated cheese on top
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and set

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 8):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sodium: 580mg

Timing:

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Pro Tips and Tricks

  1. Don’t overcook the broccoli – it will continue cooking in the oven
  2. Pat vegetables dry before adding to the baking dish to prevent excess water
  3. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set properly
  4. Use room temperature eggs for better sauce consistency
  5. Grate cheese fresh for better melting

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Vegetable Options:
  • Cauliflower instead of broccoli
  • Add carrots or zucchini
  • Mix in mushrooms
  • Include spinach or kale
  1. Cheese Variations:
  • Sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
  • Gruyere for elegance
  • Parmesan for Italian twist
  • Dairy-free cheese for vegan version
  1. Dietary Modifications:
  • Gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version
  • Plant-based milk for dairy-free option
  • Egg substitutes for vegan version

Common FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything except the sauce, prepare separately, combine and bake when ready.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: Why add milk to the boiling water?
A: It helps maintain the bright green color of broccoli and adds tenderness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage Options:

  • Refrigerated: Up to 3 days in airtight container
  • Frozen: Up to 2 months well-wrapped

Reheating Instructions:

  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes
  • Microwave: 2-3 minutes on medium power

Make-Ahead Steps:

  1. Blanch vegetables up to 24 hours ahead
  2. Prepare sauce up to 12 hours in advance
  3. Assemble entire dish up to 4 hours before baking
  4. Store components separately for best results

Serve hot as a main vegetarian dish or as a spectacular side dish that will steal the show at any gathering.