Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole
A comforting, high-fat casserole featuring tender broccoli smothered in a creamy cheddar sauce, baked until golden and bubbly for a satisfying keto side dish. This american-inspired slow cooker (keto, low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chopped florets broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped florets broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam broccoli for 5 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in onion powder, salt, and pepper, then stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream and 1/4 cup cheddar until fully combined. Add broccoli and toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Transfer mixture to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly around the edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped florets broccoli from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better slow cooker dishes though.