High-Protein Cheddar Broccoli Brownies Recipe Is the Best Way to Eat Your Vegetables by Elisa Schmitz

A few weeks ago, I made a vegetables "brownies" recipe that has changed the way my family thinks about eating our veggies. We all know we have to eat more vegetables, but somehow it's not always as easy as we'd like it to be. Once I packed our veggies into brownie form, though, it became simple. Like, really simple. If you're like me and trying to eat a healthier Mediterranean Diet yet still want fun and flavorful food, then this easy savory high-protein broccoli brownies recipe is highly recommended. We think it's the best way to eat our vegetables!

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

With bunches of high-fiber broccoli, onions and peppers, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is simple yet full of nutrition. Check out the health benefits of broccoli, the health benefits of onions and the health benefits of bell peppers, which are all part of a nutritious Mediterranean diet. This high-protein bread recipe is a hearty slice of delicious! The savory veggie squares have a brownie-like texture that is irresistible and makes eating your vegetables a ton more fun. The cottage cheese and cheddar add protein, which is key because getting in enough protein is important to health.

To make these cheesy broccoli bars, here are the wholesome ingredients you'll need to gather: extra virgin olive oil, onion, red bell pepper, broccoli, flour (all-purpose or gluten-free), baking powder, garlic powder, eggs, cottage cheese, butter and cheddar cheese. First, sauté the veggies then set them aside while you mix up the simple batter. Next, combine the vegetables with the batter, spread it into a baking pan and bake until cooked through and golden. So easy and delicious.

Serve these broccoli cheddar brownies as a light grab-and-go lunch or as a vegetarian side dish with just about any dinner. My husband grabbed a couple and ate them for breakfast as he was running out the door. Whatever works best for you!

Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (ovens vary)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup onion, diced
• 3/4 cup red bell pepper, diced (or your favorite bell pepper)
• 10 ounces fresh broccoli, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 10 tablespoons (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons) butter, melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
• salt and pepper, to taste (optional, but I used about 1/4 teaspoon of each)

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, onions, bell peppers and broccoli. Sauté until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess moisture. (I used a red bell pepper, but you could use whichever color bell pepper you prefer.)
   
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder and garlic powder. Whisk to combine. (To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.)
   
3. Add in the eggs, cottage cheese, melted butter and cheddar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Stir to combine.
   
4. Add the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
   
5. Pour mixture into a 13x9-inch baking pan or casserole dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
   
6. Bake in an oven that's been preheated to 375 degrees F until cooked through and golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes (a toothpick should come out clean).
   
7. Allow to cool a bit before slicing into brownies and serving.
   
8. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven.
   

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