Broccoli-Corn-Cheese Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole with tender broccoli and sweet corn, perfect as a comforting side dish or vegetarian main, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped fresh broccoli flowerets
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 24 ounces cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted butter ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 11 ounces canned whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat broccoli in a vented, covered dish; add water.
- Cook in the microwave for 4 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine cottage cheese, eggs, melted butter, and flour in a blender; process until smooth.
- Set aside the blended mixture.
- Add the cooked broccoli, drained corn, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the blender mixture; mix well.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also add cooked, diced chicken for extra protein. If you're short on time, frozen broccoli can be used; just ensure it’s thawed and drained well. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, especially suitable for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Low'S Salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish also makes a great brunch option or potluck contribution. Consider topping it with extra shredded cheese before baking for an even richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best results, use the oven to maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Corn-Cheese Casserole contains roughly 893 calories, with 27g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 714mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy. Follow the same cooking instructions as you would for fresh broccoli.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the cottage cheese and Cheddar cheese, are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to pre-cook any vegetables that release a lot of moisture to keep the casserole from becoming too watery.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).