Patrick Oconnell
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Adding cheese to broccoli can make it more appetizing, especially for picky eaters. While cheese is generally calorie-dense, using low-fat cheese and avoiding butter can make broccoli with cheese a healthy option. The combination provides a good balance of nutrients and can be a tasty way to include more vegetables in one's diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490kcal if eaten as 1 main or 245kcal as 2 sides |
| Nutritional value | Vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein, calcium, and other essential minerals |
| Health benefits | Improved digestion, reduced inflammation, boosted immunity |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, cheese, milk, paprika, mustard, cayenne, garlic powder |
| Recipe | Steam broccoli, make sauce with cream, mustard, spices, and cheese, pour over broccoli, bake |
| Healthy alternative | Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt, or milk instead of cream |
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What You'll Learn
- Broccoli and cheese is a healthy way to get picky eaters to eat vegetables
- Broccoli and cheese is a low-calorie alternative to mac and cheese
- Broccoli and cheese is a good source of calcium and fat
- Broccoli and cheese is a healthy, protein-rich dish when grilled chicken is added
- Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C and K, potassium, and fibre
Broccoli and cheese is a healthy way to get picky eaters to eat vegetables
Broccoli and cheese is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their vegetables. This simple side dish combines the health benefits of broccoli with the delicious taste of cheese, making it a nutritious and tasty option for those who are reluctant to eat their veggies.
Broccoli is a true superfood, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. It contains high levels of vitamin C and K, potassium, and fibre, offering health benefits such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and a boosted immune system. By steaming the broccoli, you can retain these nutrients while also achieving the perfect tender-crisp texture.
Cheese, on the other hand, provides a good dose of protein, calcium, and other essential minerals. While some cheeses are high in fat, there are low-fat options available that can make this dish even healthier. The creaminess of the cheese sauce also makes it a perfect pairing with broccoli, creating a rich and indulgent taste experience.
The combination of broccoli and cheese is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is a great way to ensure that picky eaters get their daily dose of vegetables. By using a simple recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, you can make eating vegetables an enjoyable experience for even the most reluctant eaters.
Additionally, this dish can be made even healthier by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to boost the protein content. Spices like paprika and mustard can also be included to enhance the flavour and introduce antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. So, the next time you're struggling to get your picky eaters to eat their veggies, try whipping up some delicious and nutritious broccoli and cheese!
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Broccoli and cheese is a low-calorie alternative to mac and cheese
Broccoli and cheese is a tasty and nutritious dish that can be a low-calorie alternative to mac and cheese. It is a great way to get picky eaters, including children, to eat their vegetables. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense food, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, promoting overall health and well-being. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fibre.
The cheese sauce typically contains heavy cream, cheddar, and spices, providing a good dose of protein and calcium. The sauce can be made without flour, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency. Some recipes suggest adding Dijon mustard to enhance the flavour and prevent the sauce from becoming stringy.
To prepare the dish, steam or microwave the broccoli until tender-crisp. Meanwhile, heat the cream with mustard and spices, then slowly mix in the shredded cheese until melted. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and bake it in the oven for a piping hot and fresh dish.
By using low-fat cheeses and milk instead of butter in the sauce, the calorie count can be kept low. This makes broccoli and cheese a healthier alternative to mac and cheese, which is often considered an unhealthy meal due to its high-calorie content.
Broccoli and cheese can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet, providing a good balance of vegetables, protein, and calcium without compromising on taste. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course and is a great option for those seeking a low-calorie, indulgent-tasting meal.
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Broccoli and cheese is a good source of calcium and fat
Broccoli and cheese is a tasty combination that offers nutritional benefits. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which promotes overall health and well-being. Cheese, on the other hand, is a significant source of calcium and fat, both of which are essential for a balanced diet.
Cheese is widely recognised as one of the best sources of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth. Calcium needs vary throughout life, with growing children, teenagers, and women over 50 requiring higher amounts to support bone growth and prevent age-related bone loss. By pairing broccoli with cheese, you not only enhance the flavour of the vegetable but also boost its calcium content, contributing to healthy bone development and maintenance.
In addition to calcium, cheese provides a good amount of dietary fat. While the type of fat and its quantity in cheese can vary depending on the specific type of cheese, fat itself is an essential macronutrient that supports various bodily functions. Fat plays a vital role in energy storage and insulation, aids in the absorption of certain vitamins, and promotes healthy skin and hair. Moreover, the fat in cheese helps create a creamy texture when combined with broccoli, making it a delicious and indulgent dish.
The combination of broccoli and cheese can be a nutritious and satisfying option, especially when made with low-fat cheese and minimal added fats. This pairing ensures you get the benefits of both the vegetable and the dairy product without an excessive amount of unhealthy fat or calories. Broccoli and cheese can be a wholesome meal or side dish, providing a good balance of nutrients, including calcium and fat, which are essential for maintaining overall health.
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Broccoli and cheese is a healthy, protein-rich dish when grilled chicken is added
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. It is a healthy option, whether steamed, stir-fried, or eaten raw. Adding cheese to broccoli provides a delicious, creamy texture and can make it more appealing to picky eaters, especially children. Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, and its fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the broccoli.
However, cheese is also high in fat and calories, so it is important to consume it in moderation. A broccoli and cheese dish can be made healthier by using low-fat cheese, milk, or yoghurt in the sauce, and adding spices like paprika and mustard for extra flavour and antioxidants.
To make broccoli and cheese a protein-rich dish, one can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. This boosts the protein content without compromising the creamy, cheesy goodness of the dish. This option is especially appealing to those seeking a more substantial meal or those who want to increase their protein intake.
Broccoli and cheese with grilled chicken is a tasty and nutritious meal, offering a good balance of vegetables, protein, calcium, and healthy fats. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions. The addition of grilled chicken takes this dish to the next level in terms of flavour and nutritional value, making it a well-rounded and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
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Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C and K, potassium, and fibre
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. It is particularly rich in vitamins C and K, as well as potassium. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, boosting immunity and aiding in iron absorption. It also supports collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues. Vitamin K, on the other hand, is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Potassium is an important mineral that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and nerve function.
When combined with cheese, broccoli becomes an even more nutritious dish. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, providing essential minerals and supporting bone health. The addition of cheese also makes it a more appealing option for picky eaters, ensuring they get their daily dose of vegetables. Furthermore, the fat content in cheese aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins present in broccoli, enhancing the nutritional benefits of the dish.
While broccoli and cheese can be a healthy combination, it is important to consider the type of cheese and the overall calorie count. Some recipes for broccoli and cheese use low-fat cream cheese, cheddar, and parmesan to create a creamy texture without adding excessive calories. These recipes can be a nutritious and tasty way to include more vegetables in your diet.
However, it is worth noting that some broccoli and cheese recipes, especially those resembling macaroni and cheese, can be high in calories and fat. To make it healthier, one can opt for low-fat cheese, use milk instead of cream, or add ingredients like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for an extra protein boost without compromising on taste. Moderation is also key, as with any food.
In conclusion, broccoli with cheese can be a healthy dish, providing a good balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, and calcium. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, and when paired with cheese, it becomes a more palatable and nutritious option for many. Preparing it in a way that suits individual dietary needs and preferences can make it a tasty and wholesome addition to one's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Broccoli with cheese can be a healthy option, especially when made with low-fat cheese and no butter. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and cheese provides protein, calcium, and other essential minerals.
To make this dish healthier, you can use low-fat cream cheese or explore alternatives like Greek yogurt. You can also add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.
Yes, broccoli with cheese is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their vegetables. The cheese sauce adds a tasty twist to the broccoli, making it more appealing to those who may be reluctant to eat their veggies.
If you're looking for a similar dish, you can try cauliflower cheese or broccoli soup, which is usually lighter and healthier than the traditional mac and cheese. You can also use the same cheese sauce with other steamed vegetables like spinach, carrots, cabbage, or asparagus.
Cheese not only makes broccoli more appetising but also provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and minerals. Additionally, many vitamins in green vegetables are fat-soluble, so eating them with cheese or another source of fat can help increase nutrient absorption.
