Ultimate Three Cheese Broccoli Bake (Keto, Creamy & Comforting Side Dish!)
Transform simple broccoli into a show-stopping side with this Ultimate Three Cheese Broccoli Bake! Tender broccoli florets are smothered in an incredibly rich and savory three-cheese sauce, infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spicy mustard, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free accompaniment to any meal!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Broccoli Base:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
For the Three Cheese Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (freshly shredded recommended; divided for sauce and topping)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (KETO NOTE: Check for no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (adds a subtle warmth without black flecks)
Equipment:
- Large frying pan or skillet (oven-safe if preferred for one-pan option, or use a casserole dish)
- Whisk
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch casserole dish
Instructions:
- Cook & Season Broccoli: In a large frying pan or skillet, add the frozen broccoli florets and ¼ cup water.
- Cover the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp-tender (cooked through but still retains a slight bite).
- Once cooked, drain any excess water thoroughly. Season the broccoli with ½ teaspoon of the salt, ½ teaspoon of the black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the garlic powder. Toss to coat.
- Transfer the seasoned broccoli to an 8×8 or 9×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. (If your frying pan is oven-safe and large enough, you can keep the broccoli in the pan and continue with the next step directly in the pan for a one-pan meal).
- Prepare Three Cheese Sauce: In the same frying pan (no need to wash it), add the heavy whipping cream. Place over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil vigorously.
- Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard, 1 tablespoon garlic powder (for sauce), 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon white pepper.
- Whisk continuously and gently over low heat until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper (if needed) to your liking.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the hot, creamy three-cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the sauce-covered broccoli.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven (set to 350°F / 175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly, the cheese on top is melted and golden brown, and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
- Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove from the oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this ultimate cheesy broccoli! ❤️
Tips for Success:
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce, always shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Cook the broccoli only until crisp-tender before adding to the sauce. It will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
- Spicy Brown Mustard Check: Always check the label of your spicy brown mustard to ensure it doesn’t contain added sugars. It adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor without a strong mustard taste.
- Low and Slow Sauce: Keep the heat on low when making the cheese sauce to ensure a smooth, creamy texture and prevent separation or scorching of the cream.
- Seasoning Layers: Seasoning the broccoli initially, then the sauce, builds layers of flavor throughout the dish.
Storage: Store any leftover Ultimate Three Cheese Broccoli Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you can add a splash of heavy cream or broth when reheating if desired.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, from the cheese and heavy cream.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Crucial to check labels for no added sugars.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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