Description
Indulgent Keto Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin with Sausage is a creamy, cheesy low-carb casserole that combines tender steamed broccoli, cauliflower florets, and flavorful smoked sausage. This dish features a rich cream cheese and cheddar sauce baked to golden perfection, making it a satisfying and hearty keto-friendly meal perfect for dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head cauliflower florets (Use pre-chopped for convenience)
- 1 head broccoli florets (Lightly steamed)
Meat
- 12 oz sliced smoked sausage (Adds protein and heartiness)
Dairy & Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter (For sautéing onions)
- 1 medium onion (Diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (Minced)
- 8 oz cream cheese (Softened for easy blending)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to mix varieties)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking and achieve that delicious golden-brown topping.
- Sauté Sausage: In a skillet, add the sliced sausage over medium-high heat. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until nicely seared and sizzling to develop flavor and texture.
- Melt Butter: In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, filling your kitchen with a rich aroma that forms the base of your sauce.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, which enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant to boost the flavor profile.
- Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Vegetables and Sausage: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower and broccoli florets with the crispy sausage pieces, mixing to distribute evenly.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Drizzle the creamy cheese sauce over the vegetable and sausage mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components are well coated.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×9 baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, indicating it is hot and ready to serve.
Notes
- Lightly steaming the broccoli before combining helps retain its vibrant color and ensures it cooks evenly in the oven.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with any sausage of your choice, such as kielbasa or chorizo, depending on flavor preference.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, consider mixing cheddar with Parmesan or Gruyere.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to balance saltiness, especially because the sausage and cheese add salt.
