Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale: A Nutritious and Delicious Side Dish

How to Make Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or a plant-based cream for a vegan option)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese for vegan)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Optional Toppings

Bread crumbs: For a crunchy top layer

Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley to add a burst of freshness when serving

Instructions .

Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. To keep a baking dish from sticking, lightly coat it with cooking spray or olive oil.

Get the veggies ready:

The broccoli should be crisp but slightly soft after 2 to 3 minutes of steaming. After draining, set away. Rinse the kale and cut off the rough stems. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

Prepare the Cream Sauce:

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the garlic for one to two minutes until it becomes fragrant. Add the Parmesan and mozzarella shreds and stir until smooth and melted. If preferred, add red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt for seasoning. Reduce the heat and whisk the sauce occasionally.

To assemble the dish, put the chopped kale, steaming broccoli, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. To guarantee even covering, pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables and well combine.

Move to the Baking Dish:

Grease the baking dish and evenly distribute the creamy vegetable mixture. If you like a crunchy crust, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

Bake:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. You can broil the dish for a final two to three minutes if you want it to be even crispier.

Serve:

If wanted, top with fresh herbs and serve warm. This recipe tastes well with some crusty bread on the side as an accompaniment to grilled proteins.