Crustless Broccoli and Cheese Bake

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