We’re all about comfort food over here at A Couple Cooks, and this recipe is one of our coziest. It’s a cheesy, gooey broccoli casserole that has a secret healthy twist! Instead of canned mushroom soup and mushy brocolli, this casserole is all about fresh, whole foods! Imagine: charred roasted broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, a creamy thyme-infused sauce, and a unique whole grain! Instead of rice or quinoa, this one features millet, a gluten-free whole grain that’s seriously tasty. Keep reading for the recipe!
What is millet?
So perhaps you’re wondering, what is millet? Millet is a heritage grain. It’s gluten-free just like the more popular grain, quinoa, and high in protein. However, millet is not quite as sexy as its trendy cousin. Get this: it’s also a component of birdseed! But humans can eat it too: and should, because it’s so tasty! You can use millet in the same way that you would use other whole grains like rice or quinoa. Use it in a bowl meal, in soups and stews, or even as a taco filling. This NPR story about millet made us want to root for this underdog grain. According to the article, “The grain needs adventurous chefs and tastemakers to promote it to really take off.” We’ll consider that a challenge!
How to make broccoli casserole
Millet is actually quite tasty! It’s slightly larger and chewier than quinoa, with a slightly nutty taste. Here we’ve combined it with roasted broccoli and cheddar cheese to make this hearty, comforting brocolli casserole. It’s a healthy spin on the standard casserole, and a nice gluten-free option. In addition to this preparation, millet also makes for a easy side dish. See Master Recipe: Perfect Millet. To make the roasted broccoli, coat it lightly in olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Then roast it in a very hot oven (450F) until lightly charred and tender. Roasted broccoli is a unique addition to broccoli casserole: the traditional version usually has limp or soggy brocolli. To put to it all together, you’ll make a cheese sauce with the cheddar using milk, garlic, butter and dried thyme. The flavor that comes out of these ingredients will surprise you! The cheese sauce infuses the millet and roasted broccoli with savory goodness. Then throw it in the oven and bake until the cheese melts. Simple as that!
How about you — what are some of your favorite comfort foods?
What people are saying about this broccoli casserole
This broccoli casserole may have a healthy spin, but it’s totally crowd pleasing! Here are some testimonials that attest that it’s something the whole family will love:
“Made this recipe as written. It was wonderful and all three of my teenagers liked it!!! That’s a huge deal as usually at least one of them will not like a new dish. Thank you!” -Sarah“Made this for my cooking juggling act of gestational diabetes, my picky 2-year old, and my carnivorous husband and we all loved it!” -Keri“This was amazing!! My partner and I couldn’t stop eating it!” -Hannah
This cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten free.
Looking for more comfort food recipes?
Outside of this broccoli recipe, here are a few more comfort food recipes: 5 from 3 reviews
Best Vegetarian MeatballsCreamy Mac and Cheese with Greek YogurtVegan Spaghetti & MeatballsBaked Gnocchi with Pumpkin SauceEasy Calzone RecipeBest Veggie Burger RecipeVeggie Packed Quinoa Fried RiceVegan Pot Pie with Sage Crust
