Broccoli Casserole

This keto broccoli casserole is easy to put together and goes with just about any dinner. A great dish to pass at a party too.

---

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclaimer.

---

Gluten Free Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for family dinners, bringing something to a friend’s house, or just a cozy night in. The best part about it? You can make it your own with some easy swaps and it’s still going to be delicious. Plus, I’ll share some ideas on what to serve with it to make a complete meal.

Broccoli Casserole Flavors

Sour cream and mascarpone cheese together were what I wanted to showcase in this broccoli casserole recipe.  Both have such a pleasant and unique flavor that I wondered how well they would go together.  I just knew that a casserole was the right place to try. 

The surprise flavor bits (as my son would call them) come in the form of a delicious sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning on the top!  It added this tang to an already tangy dish and WOW!  

The fun thing about casseroles and specifically this cheesy broccoli casserole is that you can a lot of substitutions and modifications every so slightly and still get a delicious dish.

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is something we have in our house a ton.  I love it and my kids love it. In addition to tasting fabulous, broccoli has the following health benefits, according to HealthLine:

1. High in vitamins and minerals
2. Also high in fiber which helps with constipation and blood sugar control
3. A good source of antioxidants (yes please).
4. Has anti-inflammatory properties
5. Might protect against cancer.

So many health benefits to this delicious green vegetable.

Can a Broccoli Casserole be Frozen?

Yes, a broccoli casserole can be frozen.  Now, HOW you freeze it might matter.  The more air you can get out, the better.  I have not tried to freeze this particular recipe, but I have frozen similar ones. 

I think it freezes best if you freeze it BEFORE cooking it.  Prepare it as though you were going to bake it, but instead of baking it, prepare it to be frozen and freeze it. 

When you pull it out, give it some time to thaw before baking.

How to Store Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

This gluten free broccoli casserole dish will stay fresh the longest if stored in an airtight container and in the fridge. If you’ve eaten half the casserole and want to store the remaining half, put it into a smaller container first and that will minimize air contact.

It should stay fresh for at least 3-4 days if stored properly.

What is a Good Substitute for Mascarpone Cheese?

If you’ve never had it, mascarpone cheese is wonderful.  It is full flavored and quite tasty.  BUT, it can be quite spendy and so I don’t use it often.  If you want to get fancy, you can follow this Mascarpone cheese substitute recipe.

But if you are looking for a simple substitute specific to this recipe, I would simply substitute it with 1/4 cup cream cheese and add 1 more tablespoon of heavy whipping cream.  That should get you close. 

Let’s talk about how you can switch things up in the classic broccoli casserole recipe. You don’t have to stick to the script; you can play around with what you’ve got in your fridge or pantry.

Easy Swaps

• Try Different Veggies: If you’re not a huge broccoli fan or just want a change, throw in some cauliflower or even carrots. It’s all about what you like.
• Cheese, Please: Cheddar is the go-to, but feel free to use whatever cheese you have. Mixing cheeses can also add some extra yum.
• Topping It Off: Instead of the usual breadcrumb or cracker topping, why not try something different like almond flour mixed with Parmesan for that golden crunch on top?

How to Make Broccoli Casserole

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. You will want to lightly steam the broccoli.  They won’t cook fully in the oven, but we don’t want to fully cook them ahead of time either.  You just want to steam them long enough for them to start to soften and get that bright green color!  Set them aside once lightly steamed.

In a small saucepan, add butter and minced garlic over medium heat. Warm for a minute and then add cauliflower rice.  Saute it for 1 additional minute. Just enough to soften it slightly and infuse some garlic flavor. Set aside as well.

In a large bowl, add 1 cup white cheddar cheese, sour cream, mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder and garlic salt. Make sure the mascarpone cheese is softened so that mixing it will be easier.  Mix well.

Add broccoli and cauliflower and continue mixing until the veggies are nicely coated.

Add broccoli mixture to a casserole dish and then lightly pepper the top. Finally, add the remaining cup of white cheddar cheese, four cheese blend and lemon pepper to the top.

Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 5 additional minutes. ENJOY!

Other Keto Side Dishes From The Keto Option

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Casserole

Seasoned Cauliflower Rice

Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles