Posted by Mouthwatering Broccoli Casserole – A Keto-Friendly Delight
Broccoli is one of the most versatile vegetables, beloved by many for its numerous health benefits and its ability to complement a wide array of dishes. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s low in carbs but bursting with flavor, this Broccoli Casserole is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a keto enthusiast, a vegetarian, or simply someone who enjoys simple yet delicious meals, this casserole is a great way to enjoy the earthy taste of broccoli in a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish.
Why This Broccoli Casserole Is So Special
This broccoli casserole has become a staple for many home cooks due to its simplicity, flavor, and ability to be paired with almost anything. One of the best things about this dish is that it requires no special or exotic ingredients. Most of the components can be found at your local grocery store, making this a convenient and cost-effective meal. Whether you are serving it as a standalone vegetarian dish, a side to roasted chicken, or a hearty accompaniment to grilled meats, this casserole never fails to impress. It is not only a family favorite but also an excellent option for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated.
This creamy broccoli casserole is perfect for those who are looking to increase their intake of healthy greens while enjoying the rich and comforting flavors that come with cheese and cream. The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese creates a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the crisp-tender broccoli, while butter and garlic provide aromatic depth and savory flavor. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health, as well as vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy vision. Broccoli is also a great source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. With only 7g of carbohydrates per serving, this broccoli casserole is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
In addition to its low carb content, broccoli is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. It also contains potassium, which supports heart health, and iron, essential for the production of red blood cells.
Simple Ingredients for the Perfect Broccoli Casserole
What makes this recipe so accessible is the simplicity of its ingredients. No fancy, hard-to-find components—just wholesome, everyday items that bring out the best in each other. Here’s what you need:
- Broccoli: You’ll need 1 pound of fresh broccoli, cut into florets. Steaming or blanching the broccoli slightly helps it maintain its crunch, while still allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors of the creamy sauce.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces of cream cheese is the base of the creamy sauce. It adds richness and a velvety texture that coats the broccoli perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup of heavy cream makes the casserole creamy without being too heavy. It’s a great addition to give the dish that luscious texture.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon of butter adds richness and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of crushed garlic bring aromatic, savory flavors that infuse the cream cheese sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon each of salt and ground pepper season the dish to perfection, enhancing the natural flavors of the broccoli and cheese.
- Cheddar Cheese: 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese provide a sharp, tangy taste that complements the richness of the cream cheese and heavy cream.
Variations and Customization Options
While this broccoli casserole is delicious as is, you can always get creative and customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Add Meat: For those who want a more filling meal, consider adding diced bacon, shredded chicken, or ground beef to the casserole. Be sure to cook the meat first before mixing it into the casserole.
- Different Cheese Options: If you love a melty, gooey casserole, combine mozzarella with cheddar for a stretchy texture. You could also add some parmesan cheese for a more robust, nutty flavor.
- Sour Cream Twist: To add a slight tang and creaminess, try using ½ sour cream and ½ heavy cream in place of the heavy cream. This gives the dish a nice balance of creaminess with a touch of acidity.
- Add Vegetables: If you enjoy a mix of vegetables in your casserole, feel free to add cauliflower, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Cooking the Broccoli Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering broccoli casserole. The steps are quick and easy, and you’ll be enjoying this cheesy, creamy dish in no time!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This will ensure that your casserole is hot and bubbly by the time it’s ready to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Cut the broccoli into florets, and steam or blanch it just enough to make it tender while still retaining a slight crunch. This process usually takes around 4-5 minutes. Be sure to drain the broccoli well, removing as much water as possible, so it doesn’t make the casserole too watery.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce with Broccoli
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the prepared broccoli in the mixing bowl. Add 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and gently stir until the broccoli is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the broccoli mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, ensuring it covers the broccoli in a nice, even layer.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The top should be bubbly and slightly crispy.
Once it’s done, remove from the oven and serve immediately. This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty, standalone vegetarian meal.
Quick and Easy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender, then drain well.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter with garlic, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth, about 7-10 minutes.
- Combine: Toss the broccoli in the sauce and add 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with remaining cheddar, and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
- Sodium: 631mg
- Potassium: 447mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 1895 IU
- Vitamin C: 101.6 mg
- Calcium: 308 mg
- Iron: 1.1 mg
