Keto Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting and Nutrient-Packed Dish
When you think of comfort food, it’s often synonymous with indulgent flavors and hearty textures. On a keto diet, finding satisfying meals that fit the low-carb criteria can sometimes be a challenge. But the Keto Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is here to solve that! This dish brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave while keeping things healthy and nutrient-packed, thanks to broccoli—a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Perfect as a side dish or even a main course, this casserole is a hit for anyone following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a low-carb comfort food option.
1. Introduction to Keto Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
If you're a fan of broccoli and cheese (and who isn’t?), this keto casserole will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, while the rich, cheesy sauce adds the kind of indulgence you might miss when cutting out carbs. What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add in other keto-friendly veggies, proteins like chicken or bacon, or adjust the cheese to your liking. It's creamy, filling, and incredibly easy to make, even for weeknight dinners.
Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a low-carb dish to enjoy on your own, this cheesy broccoli casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious, keto-friendly cheesy broccoli casserole:
- 5 cups of broccoli florets (about 2 large heads of broccoli)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: Cooked bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetables: You can swap broccoli for cauliflower or combine both for added variety.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Steam the broccoli florets: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant green. You don’t want them to be too soft since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can skip the steaming process and use raw broccoli.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cream cheese: Stir the softened cream cheese into the skillet until it begins to melt. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese: Slowly add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar to the sauce, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: For added flavor, you can mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the steamed broccoli to a large casserole dish (9x13 inches works well).
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli, ensuring all the florets are well-coated.
Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
4. Macro Breakdown Per Serving
Here’s the approximate macro breakdown for one serving (assuming 6 servings per casserole):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 28g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Total Carbs: 7g
Note: Macros will vary slightly depending on the type and amount of cheese you use, as well as any additional ingredients like bacon or chicken.
5. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Broccoli (5 cups): 155 calories, 12g net carbs, 9g fiber, 13g protein
- Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): 600 calories, 0g carbs, 48g fat, 36g protein
- Cream cheese (4 oz): 400 calories, 4g carbs, 40g fat, 8g protein
- Heavy cream (½ cup): 400 calories, 3g carbs, 43g fat, 2g protein
- Butter (3 tbsp): 300 calories, 0g carbs, 33g fat
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): 100 calories, 1g carbs, 8g fat, 10g protein
6. Preparation Time
This keto cheesy broccoli casserole is incredibly easy to make and doesn't take much time. Here's the breakdown:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal for meal prep!
7. Additional Tips for a Perfect Keto Casserole
Add a crunchy topping: If you miss the crunch of traditional casserole toppings, try adding crushed pork rinds or a sprinkle of almond flour mixed with melted butter for a keto-friendly alternative to breadcrumbs.
Make it a meal: While this dish works beautifully as a side, you can add cooked chicken, ham, or even ground beef to make it a more filling main course.
Use fresh or frozen broccoli: If you’re in a rush, frozen broccoli florets work just as well. Just be sure to steam or microwave them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess water.
Mix up the cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or Gruyère for added depth of flavor.
Meal Prep Tip: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet. Tightly wrap it with plastic wrap, and then cover it in aluminium foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
4. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for a keto diet. It's low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and packed with nutrients from the broccoli and cheese.
5. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with keto-friendly sides like grilled chicken, steak, or even a simple side salad. It's also filling enough to serve on its own if you add some extra protein like chicken or bacon.
9. Friendly Conclusion + 5 More Keto Recipe Ideas
I hope you love this Keto Cheesy Broccoli Casserole as much as I do! It’s comforting, rich, and packed with flavor—all while keeping you on track with your keto diet. Whether you’re making it as a side for a family dinner or whipping it up for meal prep, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Looking for more keto-friendly recipes? Here are five more ideas to keep you inspired:
- Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy goodness without the carbs.
- Keto Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon for a satisfying dinner.
- Keto Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A creamy, savory dip that’s perfect for parties or as a snack.
- Keto Zucchini Lasagna: Layers of zucchini, cheese, and meat sauce make this a low-carb version of a classic.
- Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, cheese, and spices for a hearty meal.
Posts
