Macaroni and cheese becomes healthier and crunchier when you ditch pasta for broccoli
Mac and cheese is the ultimate go-to comfort food, but its hefty calorie load can send health-conscious diners running for the hills. Yet there's a surprisingly simple ingredient swap that delivers a lighter, crunchier, and even tastier alternative – and it's all down to one humble vegetable. A culinary whizz from No Plate Like Home has shared that by swapping out the pasta for this veggie, you can tuck into a luscious, creamy dish in less than half an hour. The chef gushed: "This is my favourite way to eat broccoli. Broccoli and cheese (especially cheddar) were made for each other. Add some garlic and olive oil and top with seasoned Italian bread crumbs, and it's totally delicious!" Here's how to master this inspired twist that breathes new life into a beloved favourite while keeping things on the healthier side. This recipe, courtesy of No Plate Like Home, requires just five minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven. Or, if you fancy another veggie revamp, discover how to make Brussels sprouts golden and crunchy by doing one thing instead of boiling, by clicking here. Turn your oven up to 190°C. While it's heating, pop the broccoli into boiling water for five to seven minutes until it's tender but still has a bit of bite. Drain thoroughly, then arrange the florets in a lightly greased casserole dish. Sprinkle over garlic powder, salt and pepper, allowing the seasonings to work their magic before finishing with an extra drizzle of oil. After that, smother the broccoli with a hearty helping of shredded cheddar, ensuring it nestles into the nooks for an even melt. Next, sprinkle over breadcrumbs for that all-important crunchy, golden topping. Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for around 15 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling away and the topping has taken on a light golden hue.
The chef's favourite broccoli and cheddar pairing with garlic olive oil and breadcrumbs
"This is my favourite way to eat broccoli. Broccoli and cheese (especially cheddar) were made for each other. Add some garlic and olive oil and top with seasoned Italian bread crumbs, and it's totally delicious!"
Five minutes of prep and twenty minutes in the oven for a quick broccoli cheese bake
This recipe, courtesy of No Plate Like Home, requires just five minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven. Turn your oven up to 190°C. While it's heating, pop the broccoli into boiling water for five to seven minutes until it's tender but still has a bit of bite. Drain thoroughly, then arrange the florets in a lightly greased casserole dish. Sprinkle over garlic powder, salt and pepper, allowing the seasonings to work their magic before finishing with an extra drizzle of oil. After that, smother the broccoli with a hearty helping of shredded cheddar, ensuring it nestles into the nooks for an even melt. Next, sprinkle over breadcrumbs for that all-important crunchy, golden topping. Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for around 15 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling away and the topping has taken on a light golden hue. Or, if you fancy another veggie revamp, discover how to make Brussels sprouts golden and crunchy by doing one thing instead of boiling, by clicking here.
