Keto Cheesy Broccoli Melt

Prep 10 min Cook 25 min Serves 6

Broccoli florets
Broccoli baked in a bubbling cheddar sauce

This creamy, gooey cheesy broccoli melt is the ultimate keto comfort-food side dish, or even a light main. Tender broccoli florets bake in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce until bubbly and golden. Think broccoli cheddar soup turned into a casserole, with far more melt. It’s very low in carbs, high in fat and very satisfying.

Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 25 minutes · Total: 35 minutes · Serves 6 as a side

Net carbs per serving: approximately 4 g (varies slightly with cheese brands)

Ingredients

  • 600–900 g Cabera Organic frozen broccoli florets (2–3 bags, no need to thaw fully)
  • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (about 200 g) shredded sharp cheddar, divided (1½ cups for the sauce, ½ cup for topping)
  • ½ cup (about 50 g) grated Parmesan
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat, crispy bacon bits for topping

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
  2. Prepare the broccoli. Steam the frozen florets 4–5 minutes, or boil them in salted water for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and just tender. This keeps excess water out of the dish. Drain very well and pat dry. Quick alternative: add them frozen and bake about 5 minutes longer.
  3. Make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in the cream, cream cheese, onion powder, salt, pepper and any optional spices. Cook, stirring often, until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth (3–5 minutes). Take it off the heat and stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar and the Parmesan until melted.
  4. Assemble. Put the broccoli in the baking dish. Pour the sauce over it and toss gently to coat every floret.
  5. Top and bake. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. For more browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
  6. Serve. Let it rest 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Perfect as a side with grilled chicken, steak or eggs.