Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon and fresh chives, this Loaded Cauliflower & Broccoli Casserole is the perfect low-carb comfort dish—packed with flavor, gooey cheese, and hearty vegetables baked to golden perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings together the ultimate trio of cheesy richness, smoky bacon, and tender vegetables, all in one satisfying low-carb dish. Perfect for keto lifestyles or anyone looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor, this dish is comforting, filling, and full of texture. The blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and heavy cream creates a lusciously creamy base, while two kinds of cheese offer melty goodness in every bite. Ideal as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is easy to prepare and always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or boil the broccoli and cauliflower florets until just tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, black pepper, and half of the cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses. Mix well.
- Fold in the steamed broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping), and chopped chives. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top, followed by the reserved bacon.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham to make it a complete meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra depth.
- Alternative Cheese Blend: Swap in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter for a crispy topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
Yes, just thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon for this recipe?
Bake or pan-fry the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble before adding to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving.
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for a ketogenic diet.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
No, bake it uncovered so the top gets bubbly and golden.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a stand-alone vegetarian entrée (minus the bacon).
Can I add eggs to bind the casserole?
This recipe is creamy enough without eggs, but adding one beaten egg can help firm it up if preferred.
Can I substitute the mayo?
If you prefer, use more sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise, though it may slightly change the flavor.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free alternatives for the sour cream, cheese, and mayonnaise, and omit the cream or use coconut cream as a substitute.
Conclusion
Loaded Cauliflower & Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings all the satisfaction of a loaded baked potato into a low-carb format. Packed with crisp bacon, sharp cheeses, and a creamy base, it’s a versatile side or main dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just want to enjoy a flavorful, vegetable-forward casserole, this recipe is a delicious, family-friendly winner.
PrintLoaded Cauliflower & Broccoli Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon and fresh chives, this Loaded Cauliflower & Broccoli Casserole is the perfect low-carb comfort dish—packed with flavor, gooey cheese, and hearty vegetables baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or boil broccoli and cauliflower florets until just tender (about 6–8 minutes), then drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, pepper, and half of the cheddar and Colby Jack cheese.
- Fold in the cooked broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping), and chives. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle reserved bacon over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Use pre-steamed veggies to speed up prep.
- Great as a main dish or hearty side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg