Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale

This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, tender baby kale, and juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s an excellent way to enjoy your vegetables.

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
1 large broccoli, cut into florets
Olive oil
A handful of baby kale
1 small onion, diced
7 small cloves of garlic, minced
12 small tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes preferred), halved
A knob of butter
Salt, to taste
1 tsp thyme
150 ml cream
1 tbsp flour
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Method
Prepare the Broccoli:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
Place the florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it releases its aroma.
Add Tomatoes and Kale:
Add the halved tomatoes and baby kale to the skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and the kale wilts slightly.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet and add the knob of butter to the center.
Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the cream, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and thyme.

Combine and Bake:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and distribute it evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and nutritious dish as a main course or side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Cooking Tips
Ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the olive oil for a consistent roast.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting quality.
Nutritional Benefits
Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, and provides dietary fiber.
Kale: Adds additional vitamins and antioxidants.
Garlic and onions: Known for their immune-boosting properties.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the roux.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it a comforting and satisfying dish.
It’s versatile and can be served as a main dish or side.
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale is a wonderful addition to any meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, a rich creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Enjoy this recipe with your family and friends, and savor the delightful flavors and health benefits it offers. Bon appétit!

Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale Recipe 🍅🥦

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious side dish that’s full of flavor and texture, look no further than this Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale! Packed with vibrant greens, sweet tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is both comforting and healthy. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals, from roasted chicken to grilled fish, and even works as a standalone vegetarian dish.

The combination of broccoli, kale, and tomatoes not only provides essential vitamins and minerals but also delivers a satisfying texture with every bite. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to add more plant-based ingredients to your meals. So, let’s dive into this flavorful and creamy recipe that will surely become a favorite at your dinner table! 🍽️

Ingredients:

To make this creamy baked broccoli with tomatoes and kale, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Vegetables:

1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets 🥦
2 cups kale, stems removed, chopped into bite-sized pieces 🥬
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version) 🥥
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter alternative) 🍶
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed) 🌾
1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
1 teaspoon dried basil 🌱
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat) 🌶️

Garnishes (Optional):

Chopped fresh parsley 🌿
Extra grated Parmesan cheese 🧀

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish 🔥

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the broccoli, tomatoes, and kale to bake perfectly in a warm oven, with just the right amount of crispness and tenderness.

Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the vegetables from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables 🥦

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, discarding the tough stalks. Make sure the florets are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Wash and chop the kale into smaller pieces, removing any tough stems. You want the kale to be in bite-sized pieces, as it will soften considerably when baked.
Halve the cherry tomatoes. The sweet burst of flavor from the tomatoes adds a fresh contrast to the creamy vegetables.
Toss the vegetables (broccoli, kale, and tomatoes) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. This seasoning will add depth of flavor to the vegetables and help them roast beautifully in the oven.
Once well-coated, transfer the vegetables into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce 🍶

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As the butter begins to melt, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. This is your roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent it from burning. You want to cook it just until it becomes lightly golden but not brown.
Gradually add the heavy cream to the roux while continuing to whisk to keep the sauce smooth. If you’re using coconut milk for a dairy-free option, this will provide a rich, slightly tropical flavor.
Add the ricotta cheese to the sauce, whisking until it becomes fully incorporated and smooth. If you’re using cottage cheese, ensure that it’s well-blended.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to whisk until the sauce becomes thick and creamy, and the cheese has fully melted. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
Once the sauce has thickened and is smooth, remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Combine Vegetables and Sauce 🥘

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together so the sauce coats the vegetables. This will ensure every piece of broccoli, kale, and tomato is enveloped in the creamy goodness.
Once well-coated, spread the vegetables and sauce evenly in the dish. If you like, you can sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan over the top for an additional cheesy crust once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole 🍽️

Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the sauce bubbling. You’ll know it’s done when the broccoli is bright green and cooked through, the kale is softened, and the top has a golden, slightly crispy finish.

If you want a little more of a golden top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! 🍴

Once the creamy baked broccoli with tomatoes and kale is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, and serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

This creamy vegetable bake is a fantastic side dish to serve with almost any main course, from roasted meats like chicken and turkey to pasta and seafood. It’s hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main dish, especially when paired with a crusty loaf of bread. 🥖

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale 🌿

Nutrient-Packed: This dish is filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the broccoli, kale, and tomatoes. It’s a healthy and filling side that adds variety to your meal plan.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that brings out the flavors of the vegetables and gives the dish a rich, satisfying texture.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, and they come together to make a dish that’s full of flavor.
Easy to Make: This dish is easy to prepare and requires just a few simple steps. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in other vegetables or cheeses to suit your preferences. Spinach or Swiss chard can be substituted for kale, and you can use different cheeses if you prefer.
Comforting yet Healthy: It’s a great way to enjoy a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with veggies and doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale 🌱

Use fresh vegetables: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh broccoli, kale, and tomatoes. Frozen vegetables can become mushy in the bake.
Try a dairy-free version: If you’re dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and the cheeses for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Boost the flavor: If you love garlic, feel free to add some minced garlic into the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it, covering it with foil, and refrigerating it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
Add a crunch: For added texture, you could sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top before baking to give the dish a nice crispy topping.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale is a perfect combination of wholesome vegetables and rich, velvety creaminess. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it as a main dish, it’s a satisfying and flavorful way to enjoy your veggies. Easy to prepare, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy! 🥰