Creamy Cheddar & Bacon Broccoli Bake
Indulge in this Creamy Cheddar & Bacon Broccoli Bake, a comforting low-carb dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfectly tender broccoli florets are enveloped in a rich, creamy mixture of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, accentuated by the savory crunch of bacon and the freshness of green onions. Ideal as a side dish for family gatherings or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this casserole is sure to delight both health-conscious and indulgent eaters alike. Easy to prepare and bake, it comes together quickly for busy weeknight dinners or as a fun dish to share at potlucks!
N/A
Servings
83
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Broccoli Florets
1 (16 ounces, thawed)
Cream Cheese
4 (ounces, softened)
Cheddar Cheese
4 (ounces, shredded)
Green Onions
4 (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Bacon
3 (pieces, cooked and crisp)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the frozen broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
4
Place the drained broccoli in the casserole dish. In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and crispy bacon pieces. Mix until well combined.
5
Spread the cheese and bacon mixture evenly over the broccoli in the casserole dish.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7
Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy this dish warm.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
1g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheddar & Bacon Broccoli Bake?
It is a comforting low-carb dish featuring tender broccoli florets enveloped in a rich mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and fresh green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly as it contains only 1g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this broccoli bake contains approximately 83 calories.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets. Simply steam or boil them until they are tender-crisp before following the assembly instructions.
How long should I cook the frozen broccoli?
Cook the frozen broccoli in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until it reaches a tender-crisp texture.
What is the baking temperature for this casserole?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in this broccoli bake?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon pieces.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 7 main ingredients: frozen broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, salt, pepper, and bacon.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I substitute the green onions?
Yes, you can use chives or finely diced red onions if you prefer a different onion flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your bacon and cheese labels.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon.
Why is it important to drain the broccoli thoroughly?
Draining thoroughly prevents the casserole from becoming watery during the baking process.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, cauliflower florets make an excellent addition or substitution for a portion of the broccoli.
How do I make the bacon crispy for the topping?
Cook the bacon pieces in a pan until crisp, then drain the grease on a paper towel before adding them to the cheese mixture.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains zero grams of sugar.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese and broccoli may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby cheese are all great alternatives to cheddar.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is done when the mixture is bubbling and the cheese on top has melted and turned slightly golden.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
While the specific amount isn't listed, ingredients like bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar do contain cholesterol.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely, just ensure you use a larger baking dish, such as a 9x13 inch pan, and monitor the baking time.