Heart-Healthy Baked Cheese

Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this irresistible Heart-Healthy Baked Cheese recipe! Featuring reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and creamy plain non-fat Greek yogurt, this dish is a lighter twist on classic baked cheese, perfect for those looking to maintain heart health while savoring rich flavors. It’s layered with nutrient-packed baby spinach, sweet red bell peppers, and a robust low-sodium marinara sauce, delivering a medley of colors and nutrients in every bite. The golden, crunchy topping of whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, infused with aromatic garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes, adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 40 minutes and ideal for serving warm with a side salad or whole-grain bread, this heart-friendly baked cheese dish is wholesome, satisfying, and sure to impress at any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and Greek yogurt, mixing until well blended and smooth.

Step 3

Spread the low-sodium marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish.

Step 4

Evenly distribute the chopped spinach and diced red bell pepper over the marinara sauce.

Step 5

Spoon the cheese and yogurt mixture over the vegetables, spreading it out with the back of the spoon to cover evenly.

Step 6

In a small bowl, stir together the whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until the breadcrumbs are well coated.

Step 7

Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.

Step 8

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm, and enjoy your heart-healthy baked cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	632.1 grams (632.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1054

Total Fat 52.90g	68%
Saturated Fat 26.50g	133%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 124mg	41%
Sodium 1944mg	85%
Total Carbohydrate 71.00g	26%
Dietary Fiber 11.20g	40%
Total Sugars 21.10g
Protein 81.50g	163%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1892mg	146%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 1139mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 30.0%

Carbs: 26.1%