Description
Make a rich, cheesy, and low-carb version of broccoli au gratin using heavy cream and sharp cheeses. This recipe avoids flour for a true ketogenic side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for extra thickness)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir until mostly melted.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk in the xanthan gum until no lumps remain. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère cheese until melted and combined.
- Place the drained broccoli florets into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack.
- If you skip the xanthan gum, the sauce will be thinner but still delicious.
- To keep carbs low, check that your chicken broth has no added sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 110