Description
A creamy, low-carb casserole that pairs tender broccoli and cauliflower with browned smoked sausage and a rich cheddar-cream sauce — baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
Veggies
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets (or a pre-chopped bag)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets (briefly steamed or blanched)
Sausage
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Cheese sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend you like)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage slices until they’ve picked up color and a little crisp at the edges, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts into the onions. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the shredded cheddar until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli and cauliflower florets with the browned sausage. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and toss so everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Bake 15–20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top develops a light golden color. If you want extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes — watch closely.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a crunchier topping, add crushed pork rinds or toasted almond slices before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg