This Keto Broccoli & Cheese Gratin is the ultimate comfort-food casserole — rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying while staying low-carb and gluten-free. Tender broccoli is baked in a velvety cream-and-egg mixture and topped with a layer of melted cheese that forms a golden, bubbly crust. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and works beautifully as a side dish or even a main meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this gratin delivers big flavor and an indulgent texture without the carbs found in traditional potato or pasta-based casseroles.
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- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 25 – 30 min
- Total time: 35 – 40 min
- Category: Breakfasts / Main Dishes
- Cuisine: Keto / Low Carb
- Method: Baked Casserole / Oven-Baked
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto
Ingredients for Keto Broccoli & Cheese Gratin
- 400 g broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 120 ml heavy cream (33%+)
- 2 small eggs (for structure)
- 150 g shredded hard cheese (cheddar, gouda, or a mix)
- 20 g butter (for greasing dish or extra fat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 – 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture — this prevents a watery gratin.
- Prepare the cream mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Add 100 g of the shredded cheese and stir to combine.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange the blanched broccoli evenly across the dish. Pour the cream mixture over the top, making sure it spreads into the gaps. Sprinkle the remaining 50 g cheese over the surface.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before slicing — this helps it set and improves texture.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, est.)
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≈ 330 kcal | ≈ 28 – 30 g | ≈ 15 g | ≈ 4 g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use a cheese blend (cheddar + gouda) for deeper flavor.
- Add +20 g butter for extra richness (+150 kcal).
- Add cooked chicken pieces for a full meal (+80 kcal per 50 g).
- Mix in 30 g cream cheese for an even creamier base (+100 kcal).
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for color and aroma.
- If using frozen broccoli, squeeze out excess water after thawing.
- For a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
🔥 Flavor Variations (Choose Your Style)
- Garlic Parmesan: Add garlic powder + parmesan for a sharper taste.
- Cheddar Lover’s: Use sharp cheddar only for a bold flavor.
- Italian Herb: Add oregano + basil for an herby twist.
- Bacon Gratin: Add 1 slice chopped bacon inside (+40 kcal per 12 g).
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying broccoli — leads to a watery casserole.
- Using too much egg — turns into frittata instead of gratin.
- Overbaking — dries out the cream mixture.
- Adding cheese only on top — mixing some inside gives better structure.
- Using overly mild cheese — flavor becomes bland.
Storage & Meal Prep 🧊
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Great for meal prep — portion into containers after cooling.
- Can be frozen, but cheese texture may change slightly.
What to Serve With 🥗
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Keto bacon-wrapped sausage
- Cauliflower rice
- Fresh green salad with olive oil
FAQ
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Keywords
keto broccoli gratin, low carb casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, keto side dish
