Healthier Broccoli Cheese Casserole (with cottage cheese!)

Ingredients

• 16 oz frozen broccoli florets
• 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (low fat or full fat)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley*
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400F. Spray an 8x8 inch or 2 qt baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.

2. 2

   Steam broccoli. I do this by placing frozen broccoli into a large glass bowl. Add 2 tbsp water and cover with a large plate. Microwave for 5 minutes. (You can also steam on the stovetop until crisp-tender.) Drain broccoli well and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, add cottage cheese, shredded cheese, parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Break any large broccoli florets into smaller pieces then add to the bowl. Stir until well combined. Pour into casserole dish and use a rubber spatula to smooth it out.

4. 4

   To a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and olive oil/melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over casserole.

5. 5

   Bake for 30 minutes, or until top is golden and casserole is bubbly!