This cheesy keto broccoli casserole brings all the comfort without the carbs. A rich creamy sauce and perfectly cooked broccoli make every bite delicious.
❤️ Why you'll love it
Even if you're not a fan of broccoli, you'll love this dish - mainly because it's super cheesy! This keto broccoli casserole feels super indulgent, but fits perfectly into a keto diet since it is low in net carbs.
The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the tender broccoli, creating a dish that's not only delicious but also low in carbs – the entire family will love it, even picky eaters. This easy recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner table during your next family or friends get-together.
This recipe is easy to make, using basic ingredients that you'll find at the grocery store. Because this keto broccoli casserole recipe is thrown into one baking dish, this is a great casserole to bring to your next potluck. As the perfect side dish, this is an ideal addition to your keto recipe repertoire.
🧾 Ingredients Used
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- Spices: I use garlic to add a savory depth to this dish, while salt brings out the flavor of each ingredient.
- Cream: A blend of heavy whipping cream, sour cream, and cream cheese adds fat and flavor, adding richness and thickening the sauce.
- Butter: Serves as the foundation for the savory base, enhancing the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and umami to the sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheesy topping, cheddar adds a sharp and robust flavor, creating a golden and gooey crust when melted.
- Broccoli: The hearty and nutritious green vegetable is the main focus of the casserole. Rich in fiber and low in carbs, broccoli provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
🔪 How To Make Keto Broccoli Casserole
- Set the oven to 375°F.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, toss in garlic, and stir for a minute. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, and salt, then stir until smooth. Let it simmer, then mix in cream cheese until melted. Take it off the heat and stir in half the cheddar until smooth.
- Coat blanched broccoli in the sauce, transfer to a casserole dish, and top with the rest of the cheese. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the sauce thickens before serving.
🥫 Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers of this keto casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Or, feel free to put plastic wrap over the baking dish instead and store it in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop it in the oven for a few minutes at 350 F. You can also reheat one serving on a plate for about a minute in the microwave.
The flavors tend to meld and intensify over time, making reheated leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. However, I wouldn't recommend freezing this recipe since the broccoli will likely get soggy!
💭 Helpful Tips
- Ensure the broccoli is blanched before incorporating it into the casserole. This not only preserves its vibrant green color but also ensures the perfect texture.
- Use steamed broccoli if you don't have any blanched broccoli on hand.
- If you use frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw before cooking. If you don't thaw it, the casserole could become watered down.
💭 Recipe Variations
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheeses to customize the flavor profile. Gouda or mozzarella cheese can add a unique twist.
- Crunchy topping: For an added layer of texture, consider topping the casserole with crushed pork rinds or almond flour before baking.
- Add meat: For a complete meal, add rotisserie chicken, tuna, cooked bacon. chicken sausage, or turkey for protein. By just adding protein, you can turn this recipe into a main dish.
- Add cauliflower rice: For something a little heartier, add cauliflower rice to bulk up this casserole. You can find some tips for cooking cauliflower rice here, or use this Coconut Cauliflower Rice Recipe.
- Use different vegetables: Mushrooms, cauliflower, and carrots also work well in this dish!
- For an extra spice kick, use your favorite spices like black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or cajun seasoning.
🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
This easy keto broccoli casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a juicy steak. For a complete keto-friendly meal, serve it alongside a protein, a crisp green salad, and sautéed low-carb vegetables.
Try this delicious casserole with this Ninja Foodie Chicken Breast, Keto Grilled Chicken, or Keto Meatloaf Recipe.
👩🍳 Frequently asked questions
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in an airtight container for up to a month (but it might get soggy!). Reheat in the oven for optimal results.
Consider adding cooked bacon or diced cooked chicken for an extra protein boost and added savory flavor.
Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh. Ensure it's thawed and well-drained before adding it to the sauce.
Low in carbs and high in fiber and vital nutrients, broccoli is a staple on a keto diet.
While many meats pair well with this cheesy broccoli casserole, bacon-wrapped chicken, roasted chicken, or salmon works well.
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📖 Recipe
Keto Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese cut into small cubes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 large broccoli cut into florets, (6-8 cups), blanched
Instructions
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, and salt, and stir until smooth.
- Bring to a low simmer, then add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat, add half the cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.
- Add the blanched broccoli and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Transfer to a medium casserole dish, then top with remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil for best results.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted to a golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes for the sauce to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the broccoli is blanched before incorporating it into the casserole. This not only preserves its vibrant green color but also ensures the perfect texture.
- Use steamed broccoli if you don't have any blanched broccoli on hand.
- If you use frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw before cooking. If you don't thaw it, the casserole could become watered down.
Great recipe! I did play with it a little bit. I added some leftover pork and bacon that I had in the refrigerator, and I also added some chopped sweet onion that I had in the refrigerator. I cooked the onion at the start, after the butter was melted. I also added some garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. After I added the cheese on the top, I also sprinkled on some bacon bits that I had on the top. Cooked it as directed, and sprinkled on some French fried onions that I had in the cupboard. A very lovely recipe, will definitely make it again 😊
Hi Kari, thanks for sharing your twist on this casserole recipe. Love the sound of those add-ons, especially the French fried onions at the end. Can't wait to hear what you try next!