Few ingredients complement each other so well as broccoli and cheese. Try for yourself with this recipe for this creamy yet low carb Broccoli Cheese Casserole—a twist on a classic that’s perfect for the family or your next potluck!
Who isn’t a fan of those comforting, belly-warming casseroles? They’re like a delicious edible hug that makes you feel all cozy inside – and brings back a bunch of happy memories around the dinner table, too. Well, let me fill you in on my newest casserole obsession, the Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole. A totally yummy twist on the heart-warming dishes we all can’t get enough of.
Just imagine it, a super creamy and gooey cheese casserole that’s healthy, thanks to the green stuff, but incredibly tasty when that broccoli is combined with Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese. It’s almost like bringing together the best bits of a broccoli soup and a mac ‘n’ cheese in one oh-so-delicious casserole. Sounds like perfection, right? Just you wait until you give it a try!
Does this Recipe Work for My Diet?
Yes, this good Broc ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is not only healthy, it’s fun to say! Let’s break it down. The leading lady in our green gourmet delight, the fabulous broccoli, is a total powerhouse of all things good like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Now let’s meet the supporting actors—our much-loved cheeses—Monterey Jack and Parmesan. This recipe is suitable for a low-carb and gluten-free diet. ANd if you use non-dairy substitute for the heavy cream and butter, like coconut cream and olive oil for example, this recipe can be suitable for Paleo diets too
Ingredients
This rich and creamy casserole is so close, you can taste it. Here’s what you’ll need…
- 2 large (or 3 medium) heads of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp almond or coconut flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 4 sprigs thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a pot over MEDIUM heat. Sprinkle in the almond flour and cream. Whisk.
- After the sauce starts to thicken, sprinkle in 1 ½ cups of the Monterey cheese and ¾ cups of the Parmesan cheese. Stir.
- Add the broccoli. Gently stir.
- Top with the remaining cheese. Bake the casserole in the oven for 20–25 minutes.
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Opt for fresh broccoli! Frozen can be a decent substitute, but nothing beats fresh produce.
- Grate your own cheese to guarantee the best melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Add additional amounts of almond flour slowly, then check the sauce’s consistency.
- Don’t rush the baking process. The casserole needs time to brown.
Serving Suggestions
This wholesome Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes for a perfect main dish at family dinners, parties or potlucks. For a balanced meal, pair it with a lean protein such as grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey. Add a fresh side salad, and you have a nutritionally complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
FAQ & Substitutions
While Monterey Jack offers a beautiful melt and a bang-on flavor, you can experiment. Colby jack or mild cheddar could be dynamite substitutes.
Totally! Chop up bell peppers, cauliflower, or even add sweet corn to bring in an explosion of flavor and texture.
Maybe some cooked chicken for a protein pump, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for the spice hounds out there.
This dish is gluten-free so you should be in the clear. Just to be safe though, consult the labels of the products you use.
You could add more almond flour, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring you’re not overwhelming the dish with the almond flavor. After each tablespoon, check the consistency.
How to Prep and Store This Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This Healthy Broccoli Cheese Casserole is not just tasty but handy, too. You can easily put it all together and stash it in the fridge until you’re good and ready to serve. If there are any leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When hunger strikes, wrap it up in foil to keep it from drying out and warm it in the oven at 350°F. You can also do a quick zap in the microwave—just remember to do so in 30-second bursts to keep it from going supernova!
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 large (or 3 medium) heads of broccoli cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp almond flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese grated (divided)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 4 sprigs thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a pot over MEDIUM heat. Sprinkle in the almond flour and cream. Whisk.
- After the sauce starts to thicken, sprinkle in 1 ½ cups of the Monterey cheese and ¾ cups of the Parmesan cheese. Stir.
- Add the broccoli. Gently stir.
- Top with the remaining cheese. Bake the casserole in the oven for 20–25 minutes.
Notes
- Add additional amounts of almond flour slowly, then check the sauce’s consistency.
- Don’t rush the baking process. The casserole needs time to brown.
- Don’t rush to serve immediately. Giving it a taste and adjusting the seasoning.
Nutrition
