This easy cheese dip w/ broccoli, bell peppers, Parmesan cheese and a2 Milk® is a nourishing and delicious way to to ring in the new year, or to enjoy as a healthy snack or appetizer any time of the year! And, learn about the digestive health benefits between A1 and A2 milk.
This post is sponsored by The a2 Milk© Company. All content and opinions are 100% my own. I love sharing products and brands that fit with my nutrition philosophy, and that I think you will enjoy as well!
Tis’ the season…
For sugar and spice, and everything nice, and, umm…
Bloating, indigestion, and tummy aches galore. Sigh…
Does any of this apply to you?
I hope not, but if it does, you’ll love this healthy, easy cheese dip with broccoli, bell peppers, Parmesan cheese, and belly friendly a2 Milk®.
Although I’m able to enjoy cow’s milk without any tummy troubles, many of my clients with IBS or food sensitivities can not.
And, while there are many cow’s milk alternatives, including goat milk, nut milk, and more, for those of you who love the taste of cow’s milk, along with the nutrients it provides, especially calcium, potassium, and protein, a2 milk is a delicious alternative to regular cow’s milk.
What is a2 Milk®?
If you’re not familiar with a2 Milk®, let me give you the quick scoop…
Regular cows milk here in the United Sates comes from cows that produce 2 types of beta-casein protein, A1 and A2 milk protein. While a2 Milk® contains, you guess it, only A2 beta-casein protein.
What the heck is the difference between A1 and A2 milk protein?
Research shows that A1 protein may cause digestive discomfort in some people, while A2 protein is more easily digested.
And, although lactose, the main sugar in milk, is the cause for some of this discomfort, lactose intolerance may not be the only culprit, as research published in the Nutrition Journal found all participants were able to drink a2 Milk© without digestive issues even though it contains lactose.
What’s in a2 Milk? Is it genetically engineered?
Nope! a2 Milk® simply comes from cows that only produce A2 protein. Also, you can feel good knowing that the cows that produce a2 Milk are not treated with growth hormones, rBST, and the milk is antibiotic free.
In addition, a2 Milk® is Validus Certified which is awarded to farms that follow stringent animal welfare guidelines.
Now for the recipe…
Learn more about the research behind a1 and a2 Milk® and stay up-to-date on a2 Milk digestive health & other health benefits being studied.
- a2milk.com
- Effects of milk containing only A2 beta casein versus milk containing both A1 and A2 beta casein proteins on gastrointestinal physiology, symptoms of discomfort, and cognitive behavior of people with self-reported intolerance to traditional cows’ milk.
How do you make this easy cheese dip?
- Saute your veggies in a little olive oil.
- Make the cheese sip by heating the a2 milk with cornstarch, then add in the cheese.
- Mix the sauted veggies with the cheese dip, and it’s ready to serve!
What do you serve with this easy cheese dip?
If you’ve overdone it on on the holiday goodies, like me, I advise you go heavy on serving it with lots of veggies. Baby carrots, additional broccoli florets, cauliflower, and bell peppers all make a nourishing and colorful cheese dip platter.
You could also top off lentil or bean based pasta with this easy cheese dip for a healthy, family friendly twist on macaroni and cheese. Yum!
Easy Cheese Dip w/ Broccoli, Bell Peppers, & Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets +, optional extra for serving
- 1 shallot, chopped (see notes for Low FODMAP option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (see notes for Low FODMAP option)
- 1 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper + (optional) extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 1/4 cups whole a2 Milk®, (see notes for low FODMAP option)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- For serving: Extra veggies, see above + crackers (gluten-free or regular) if desired.
Instructions
- Place broccoli florets in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high power for 2 minutes, or until lightly cooked. Carefully remove to chopping board and lightly chop. Set broccoli aside, and dice shallot, chop bell pepper into ~1/8 inch pieces, and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, and saute for 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add bell peppers and saute an additional 2 minutes, then add broccoli along with salt and pepper. Saute for 1 more minute, then turn off heat.
- Stir the cornstarch into a small bowl with a 1/4 cup of a2 Milk®. Pour the remaining 3 cups of the a2 Milk® into a medium size saucepan, and heat on high until gently boiling. Turn down heat to medium, and stir in the cornstarch/milk mixture. Continue stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and cook mixture, again stirring constantly, for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add cooked vegetables to milk/cheese mixture, and stir well to combine. Place in serving dish and enjoy with additional chopped veggies, plus crackers, if desired, while queso dip is warm.
Notes
- Omit shallot and minced garlic. Use garlic infused olive oil, if desired, in place of plain olive oil.
- Swap A2 milk with lactose free milk.
