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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.