Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale

 

Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale: Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your greens without sacrificing flavor or comfort, this Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale is about to become your new favorite dish. Rich, creamy, and packed with vibrant vegetables, this recipe brings the best of both worlds — indulgent texture and nourishing ingredients.

With roasted broccoli, juicy tomatoes, and hearty kale all wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish works as a satisfying vegetarian main or a standout side. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel good during and after eating it.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

• 🌿 Vegetable-packed: A delicious way to eat more greens and feel great about it.

• 🧀 Creamy and cheesy: Rich in texture, with just the right amount of indulgence.

• 🍅 Burst of flavor: Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to balance the richness.

• 🥘 Versatile: Serve as a main dish or alongside chicken, fish, or grains.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional topping: ¼ cup breadcrumbs for extra crunch

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.

2. Roast the Veggies

Toss the broccoli, tomatoes, and kale with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes until slightly tender and just beginning to caramelize.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder and onion powder. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth and melted.

4. Combine and Bake

In your greased baking dish, combine the roasted veggies and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Serve

Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

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Tips and Variations

• Add protein: Toss in cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, or white beans for a more filling main course.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

• Vegan version: Swap in plant-based milk, vegan butter, and non-dairy cheese alternatives.

• Add spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a nice kick.

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Perfect For…

• Weeknight dinners

• Holiday side dish tables

• Potluck parties

• Meal prep (it reheats beautifully!)

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale proves that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. With layers of roasted vegetables, a rich cheese sauce, and an oven-baked finish, this dish is everything you want in comfort food — cozy, satisfying, and packed with nutrients.

It’s the perfect way to sneak more greens onto your plate without a second thought — and the kind of dish even picky eaters will ask for seconds of.

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Pro Tip: Double the batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day — it’s even better reheated!