Ditch pasta for a healthier mac and cheese recipe that uses crispy vegetables
Mac and cheese is the go-to comfort food for many people, but with its high calorie count, it is a challenging treat for health-conscious eaters. Instead of indulging in heavy carbs, it turns out that a simpler swap is crisper and more flavourful. A chef revealed that by ditching the pasta for one vegetable, you can enjoy a healthier creamy dish in under 30 minutes.
The chef at No Plate Like Homeshared: "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!" Below, we detail how to make this clever twist that brings a healthier edge to a much-loved classic.
This recipe, courtesy of No Plate Like Home, takes five minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. Alternatively, you can check out how to make Brussels sprouts 'crispier and full of flavour' by doing one thing instead of boiling,by clicking here.
Ingredients- Eight cups of cut broccoli florets
- One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
To begin making the broccoli with cheese and breadcrumbs, start by heating the oven to 375°F. While it warms, simmer the broccoli in boiling water for five to seven minutes until it softens but still holds its shape.
Drain it well, then spread it out in a lightly oiled casserole dish. Season the broccoli with garlic powder, salt and pepper, letting the flavours settle in before drizzling a little more oil across the top.
Once coated, cover the broccoli with a generous layer of shredded cheddar, allowing it to fall into the gaps so it melts evenly. Follow this with a coating of breadcrumbs to add a crisp, golden finish.
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the topping turns a light golden colour.