High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe Is Nutritious & Delicious (7 Ingredients) by Elisa Schmitz

What's better than a broccoli cheese casserole? A more nutritious broccoli cheese casserole. That's what I was trying to do when I made this high-protein broccoli cheese casserole recipe. Because studies show that we lose muscle as we age, it's helpful to consume higher amounts of protein that may help slow down age-related muscle loss, along with the other health benefits of protein. Plus, this recipe is delish and the perfect way to add more protein to your Thanksgiving weekend or anytime.

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

This cheesy casserole recipe is loaded with fresh broccoli, so you get all the health benefits of broccoli. It's also loaded with cottage cheese, so it packs a protein punch. Best of all, this gluten-free casserole is delicious, so the whole family will enjoy it without even realizing it's nutritious!

Here's what you need to make this flavorful vegetarian recipe: extra virgin olive oil, fresh broccoli, yellow bell pepper, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs and almond flour. The simple ingredients come together then are baked in a casserole dish until cooked through and golden.

This super tasty broccoli cheese casserole makes a perfect vegetarian lunch or a light dinner. It's also a wonderful side dish with your favorite proteins. I served it alongside some baked salmon and it was so easy and delish!

Cuisine: American 
Prep Time: 10 minutes 
Cook Time: 35 to 45 minutes (ovens vary) 
Total Time: 45 to 55 minutes 
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup almond flour

Here’s how you make it:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, peppers and broccoli. Stir to combine. Sauté until crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. (I used a yellow bell pepper, but you can use any color bell pepper you prefer. If you don't like bell pepper, simply leave it out.)
   
2. Place the eggs and cottage cheese in a blender and whip until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour the cottage cheese mixture into a medium mixing bowl.
   
3. Add the cheddar cheese, almond flour and vegetables. Season with sea salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine. (You can use your flour of choice, but to ensure this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.)
   
4. Pour the mixture into a baking pan or casserole dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray. (I used my medium-sized Le Creuset casserole dish, which measures 10x8 inches.)
   
5. Bake in an oven that's been preheated to 350 degrees F until cooked through and golden, about 30 to 40 minutes.
   
6. Allow to cool a few moments before slicing and serving. Store leftovers in a container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
   

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