Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Bake (Keto, Low-Carb & Comforting Side Dish!)
Elevate your side dish game with this incredibly rich and comforting Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Bake! Tender broccoli florets are bathed in a luscious, triple-cheese sauce made with heavy cream, a hint of mustard, and savory seasonings, 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:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen broccoli florets
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded (or use 3 cups of your favorite keto-friendly shredded cheese blend)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (KETO NOTE: Check for no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste (adjust based on cheese and personal preference)
Equipment:
- Large pot or steamer (for broccoli)
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Whisk
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch casserole dish
Instructions:
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli florets until crisp-tender (cooked through but still slightly firm). If using fresh, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen, follow package directions, typically 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove any excess water. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, add the heavy whipping cream. Place over medium-low heat. Do not bring to a rapid boil.
- Add Colby Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, spicy brown mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
- Whisk continuously until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking or scorching.
- Combine & Assemble: Add the cooked and drained broccoli to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat all the broccoli florets evenly with the sauce.
- Pour the entire cheesy broccoli mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9 inch casserole dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese (or other blend) over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and 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.
- Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove from the oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting cheesy broccoli!
Tips for Success:
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding your own cheese is highly recommended for cheese sauce. 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 Mustard Check: Always check the label of your spicy brown mustard to ensure it doesn’t contain added sugars.
- Low and Slow Sauce: Keep the heat on low when making the cheese sauce to ensure a smooth, creamy texture and prevent separation.
- Customization: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or some cooked, crumbled bacon bits to the sauce for more flavor.
Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Cheesy 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, but it will loosen when reheated.
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.
Read on how to prepare Easy Skillet Dinner.
