Creamy Broccoli and Kale Bake with Mozzarella Cheese

Creamy Broccoli and Kale Bake with Mozzarella Cheese is a soul-satisfying vegetarian dish that combines tender broccoli florets, nutrient-rich baby kale, sautéed onions, garlic, and sweet tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. Topped with golden, melted mozzarella and infused with aromatic thyme, this dish makes the perfect comforting meal or standout side. It’s simple, cheesy, and packed with wholesome veggies—everything you want in a warm oven-baked dish.

Preparation Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield

Servings: 4–6

Cuisine

Modern Vegetarian Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 large broccoli head, cut into florets

• Olive oil, for drizzling and sautéing

• A handful of baby kale

• 1 small onion, diced

• 7 small garlic cloves, minced

• 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 knob of butter (about 1 tablespoon)

• Salt, to taste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 150 ml (⅔ cup) heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 150 grams (1½ cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the broccoli
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse the broccoli and cut into small, bite-sized florets. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat. Set aside.

2. Sauté the base vegetables
   In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring continuously.

3. Add kale and tomatoes
   Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby kale. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and the kale to wilt. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Make the creamy sauce
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. In the center, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over it and stir to create a roux. Gradually pour in the cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and thyme.

5. Combine and mix well
   Return the sautéed vegetables into the sauce fully, and then add the raw broccoli florets. Mix until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce.

6. Transfer to baking dish
   Pour the entire mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

7. Add cheese topping
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top of the vegetable mixture.

8. Bake to golden perfection
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden on top.

9. Cool and serve
   Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty vegetarian main or a delicious side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate for 6 servings)

• Calories: 270

• Protein: 11g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 21g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 280mg

Note: Values may vary depending on specific cheese and cream brands used.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Vegetable bakes like this one are beloved across cultures for their simplicity, adaptability, and comfort-food appeal. Inspired by French gratins and American casseroles, this modern version blends Mediterranean elements—olive oil, garlic, and kale—with creamy indulgence. Broccoli and cheese are a classic combo, and the addition of tomatoes, thyme, and cream creates a well-rounded, flavorful bake.

The inclusion of baby kale and cherry tomatoes adds color and texture, while the roux-thickened cream sauce provides that irresistible, velvety mouthfeel. It’s a popular dish in wellness-focused and vegetarian kitchens, thanks to its versatility, ease, and nutritional value.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously creamy and cheesy: A smooth cream sauce coats every bite, topped with golden mozzarella.

• Packed with veggies: Broccoli, kale, tomatoes, and onion make this a nutritious meal.

• Versatile: Enjoy as a main course or side, or prep for weekday lunches.

• One-pan magic: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, then baked in one dish.

• Customizable: Easily swap in other vegetables or herbs.

• Family-friendly: Mild, cheesy flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike.

• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready.

It’s a simple yet gourmet-quality recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

Health Benefits

This creamy broccoli and kale bake isn’t just indulgent—it’s also full of nutrients:

• Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immunity and digestion

• Kale: A superfood packed with vitamin K, iron, and calcium

• Garlic and onion: Provide natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits

• Cherry tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health

• Cream and cheese: Offer protein and calcium (use in moderation)

• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats that promote good cholesterol levels

Together, these ingredients provide a balance of comfort and wellness in every forkful.

Serving Suggestions

• As a main course: Serve with warm crusty bread or brown rice

• As a side dish: Pair with grilled chicken, roasted tofu, or salmon

• With a salad: Balance the richness with a lemony arugula or cucumber salad

• For brunch: Add a poached egg on top and serve with fresh fruit

• For potlucks or dinner parties: Slice and serve warm—it’s a crowd-pleaser

This dish is rich enough to stand alone, yet flexible enough to complement nearly anything on your table.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh vegetables: For the best texture and flavor, especially the broccoli

• Don’t skip the roux: It ensures a smooth, thickened sauce that won’t separate

• Cut broccoli small: Smaller florets cook faster and absorb more sauce

• Shred your own cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded varieties

• Let the bake rest: Resting for a few minutes after baking helps it set

• Add breadcrumbs for crunch: A light sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs before baking adds texture

With these tips, your broccoli bake will be creamy, flavorful, and never soggy.

Variations to Try

• Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, or chickpeas for a heartier version

• Use different cheese: Try gruyère, gouda, or feta for unique flavors

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the cream sauce

• Add pasta: Stir in cooked pasta before baking to make a casserole-style bake

• Go low-carb: Skip the flour and use almond flour or omit it for a slightly thinner sauce

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese substitutes, and swap butter for olive oil

There are endless ways to personalize this dish to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Kale Bake with Mozzarella Cheese is everything you want in a comforting vegetarian meal—rich, warm, satisfying, and nourishing. With wholesome vegetables, a decadent yet simple cream sauce, and golden bubbling cheese, it’s the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this dish delivers hearty flavor with minimal fuss.

It’s a recipe that proves vegetables can be just as comforting and crave-worthy as anything else on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour in the roux, or thicken the cream with cornstarch instead.

4. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes. Spinach works well, but it wilts faster—add it last and cook briefly.

5. What kind of cream should I use?
Heavy cream or full-fat cooking cream is best. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.

6. Can I freeze the bake?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it after baking. Reheat in the oven until warm throughout.

7. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but gruyère, gouda, or cheddar add more flavor.

8. How long will leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

9. Can I make it without tomatoes?
Yes. The tomatoes add sweetness, but the bake is still delicious without them.

10. How do I make it extra crispy on top?
Add breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and parmesan before baking for a golden crust.