Name: Easy Keto Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Unsalted butter; 4 cloves Garlic ((minced)); 1 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium; 8 cups Broccoli florets ((~2 large heads)); 1/4 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 8 oz Cream cheese ((softened, cut into large cubes)); 2 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese ((divided into 2 cups and 1/2 cup))

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I have a feeling that you might want to add this keto broccoli cheese casserole recipe to your holiday menus. While broccoli and cheese casserole may not be a traditional holiday side, on days when the time is tight and the oven is full, easy broccoli cheese casserole will get a delicious side dish on the table fast – no oven space required! Serve up this broccoli casserole with cream cheese alongside any main dish and dinner is served.

This low carb broccoli cheese casserole was inspired by my popular cheesy zucchini casserole and 5-ingredient broccoli cheese soup. The ingredients are almost identical – it’s just (much) thicker, so it’s in casserole form. If you like more protein with your casseroles, though, it’s also very similar to my chicken divan recipe!

And, it’s made in my new 10-QT Crock-Pot Express Easy Steam Release Pressure Cooker, meaning it comes together in a flash!

Here are just a few of my favorite things about this pressure cooker that makes it different from others I’ve tried:

The size is great for the holidays and bigger gatherings! At a full 10 quarts, it can hold A LOT. Plus, it can even fit larger items that normally wouldn’t fit into a pressure cooker, like a whole turkey. I could fit a generous sized of broccoli cheese casserole in here (12 servings), and it would still fit if you wanted to double the recipe.
It’s intuitive to use. With other pressure cookers, you set the time and then just wait for it to turn on. I was always wondering, “is it on?” This one has a “Start” button that makes it super clear.
3 words: Easy Release Steam Dial. I love that the pressure release dial is not in the same spot as where the hot steam comes out – it’s on the opposite side. No risk of getting burned!
Progress bar. With most pressure cookers you can’t tell when it’s come up to pressure, so it’s nice that this one tells you.

Making an easy broccoli cheese casserole keto style is pretty easy to begin with, but this Crock-Pot pressure cooker makes it unbelievably fast! The whole thing comes together in 15 minutes flat, which that includes the time to come up to pressure and the time to melt the cheese under the broiler.

This is why I love easy pressure cooker recipes. 🙂

What Are The Ingredients For Broccoli Casserole With Cream Cheese?

There are just 6 ingredients in this keto broccoli cheese casserole recipe:

Butter
Garlic
Chicken broth
Broccoli florets
Cream cheese
Cheddar cheese

…Plus salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This easy broccoli and cheese casserole takes just 5 minutes of active time and doesn’t even require the oven. It’s the perfect side to a quick dinner or holiday meal.

Here’s how to make keto broccoli and cheese casserole:

Saute garlic. First, start the Crock-Pot Express Easy Steam Release Pressure Cooker by pressing the Saute button. No need to adjust the time, we’ll do that later. Add the butter to the pot and when it melts, add in minced garlic. Saute it for just a minute or so, until it starts to brown.

TIP: It will burn quickly after browning, so have your broth ready for the next step!

Steam broccoli. To prevent the garlic from burning, once the garlic cooks, we’ll add chicken broth to the pot, followed by broccoli. Cover the Crock-Pot Express XXL with the lid and press the steam button with the timer set to one minute.

TIP: Don’t cut the florets too small, or they will overcook and may break down too easily when stirring later.

NOTE #1: You read that right – it takes just a MINUTE to steam broccoli in the Crock-Pot pressure cooker! It will come up to pressure for 5 minutes and then cook at pressure for 1 minute, then it’s done. It will be bright green and crisp-tender.

NOTE #2: The broccoli will shrink while cooking, so 8 cups florets will yield about 6 cups cooked.

Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Once you release the pressure and open up the pressure cooker, stir in the cream and cheddar cheeses. Broccoli casserole made with cream cheese is the secret to a super creamy casserole.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if necessary.
Top casserole. Sprinkle remaining cheese onto the broccoli cheddar casserole and cover until cheese melts.

TIP: If you prefer, you can transfer the casserole to a white casserole dish for serving, sprinkle on the cheese, and broil in the oven to melt.

I like to pair this keto broccoli cheese casserole with a simple protein dish like roasted chicken, turkey, steaks, or burgers. And if it’s part of a holiday meal, serve it with roasted turkey, ham, prime rib, or even lobster tails.

You really can’t go wrong. This broccoli and cheese casserole recipe might turn veggie-afraid into veggie believers! (Even my 2-year-old, who is resistant to most “green things”, asked for seconds.)

Can You Make Keto Broccoli Cheese Casserole Ahead?

Yes, you can make this broccoli and cheese casserole recipe ahead. While it takes only a few minutes to make, you can make it ahead and then transfer to a oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with the cheese for the topping, and cover with foil or plastic wrap.

When you are ready to serve it, heat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Can You Freeze Broccoli And Cheese Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this broccoli casserole with cream cheese. One of the best things about casseroles is that they are so easy to make ahead and reheat.

After you steam the broccoli in the pressure cooker, stir in the cheeses and let the casserole cool completely. Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese, cover tightly, and freeze.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot.

TIP: Give the broccoli cheddar casserole a good stir after freezing and reheating!

What To Serve With Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

There are so many ways to serve this keto broccoli and cheese casserole. I like to keep it simple with a simple protein. Just about anything will work. Grilled chicken or steak, sauteed shrimp, or any of these recipes:

Perfect Prime Rib – This broccoli cheese casserole recipe is so quick, you can make it while your prime rib is resting! The ultimate holiday meal.
Best Broiled Lobster Tails – Need a side dish for your holiday main dishes? Broccoli cheese casserole with cream cheese pairs with just about everything and couldn’t be easier to make!
Sirloin Steak – All this easy oven sirloin steak needs is a cheesy, green side dish.
Garlic Shrimp – Another 15-minute dish!
Crispy Roasted Chicken Thighs – If there is is a better combination than chicken with fresh broccoli cheese casserole, I haven’t tried it. It’s a classic for a reason.

Tools To Make The Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.

10-QT Crock-Pot Express Easy Steam Release Pressure Cooker – The secret to my quick and easy broccoli cheese casserole!

Easy Keto Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

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Ingredients

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1 tbsp Unsalted butter ▢
4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
1 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
8 cups Broccoli florets (~2 large heads) ▢
1/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
8 oz Cream cheese (softened, cut into large cubes) ▢
2 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese (divided into 2 cups and 1/2 cup) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

Press the Saute button on the 10 QT Crock-Pot Express Easy Steam Release Pressure Cooker. Press Start (no need to adjust the time). Add the butter and wait for it to melt. Use a spatula to shift it to the center if it goes off to the sides. Add the minced garlic. Saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth right away once the garlic is done, to prevent burning it. Then, add the broccoli florets. Stir.
Cover the Crock-Pot pressure cooker with the lid - line up the arrow with the unlock symbol, then twist counterclockwise so that the arrow lines up with the lock symbol. Turn the Steam Release Dial to the Seal position (the one with an X over it).
Press the Steam button. Use the minus button to reduce the time to 1 minute. Press Start. The pressure cooker will come up to pressure (about 5 minutes), cook for 1 minute, and then beep to signal it's done. It will switch to the Warm setting (you'll see a light) and start counting up.
Once you hear the beep, use the Quick Pressure Release right away to stop cooking - rotate the Steam Release Dial into the Release position (the one without the X over it). Let all the steam escape, then open the lid when no more steam is coming out. (The lid should twist open and release easily.) Broccoli will be bright green and tender.
Gently stir in the cubed cream cheese and 2 cups (256 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, until smooth. (It will take a couple minutes of stirring.) If desired, adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (64 grams) shredded cheese on top. Loosely close the lid without sealing and turn on Warm to melt the cheese. Alternatively, you can transfer the casserole to a casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, and place in the oven at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes to melt.

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Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/2 cup

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories 188

Fat 15g

Protein 8g

Total Carbs 5g

Net Carbs 4g

Fiber 1g

Sugar 1g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli and cheese casserole, broccoli casserole with cream cheese, broccoli cheese casserole, easy broccoli cheese casserole, keto broccoli cheese casserole

Calories: 188 kcal

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40 Comments

Jr
0 September 13, 2022Reply

I don’t have an instant pot ????
I have a slow cooker and/or stove.
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 September 14, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Jr, This could be done in a slow cooker but I have never tried it so I don’t have specific instructions. But I would sautee the garlic on the stove and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker.
Debra Patrick
0 September 6, 2022Reply

This is absolutely a wonderful tasting casserole! So glad that you use cream cheese and not sour cream.
Danielle
0 June 12, 2022Reply

I do not have a pressure cooker, here is what I did. It turned out FANTASTIC! I steamed my broccoli in the microwave. In a pot, melt butter. Once melted add garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth. Add in broccoli. Add cream cheese & shredded cheese. Add salt & pepper. I mixed it until just combined. Put it in a glass pan and topped with bread crumb mixture (bread crumbs, melted butter, shredded cheese) in a 350 degree oven for 10 min. SO GOOD!!!!
Mary
0 March 15, 2022Reply

I love this recipe! And my family does too! I have made this several times since finding it a few months ago. I don’t have a pressure cooker, but was easily able to modify for the stove/oven. Thank you so much for posting this yummy recipe!
Cathy Enderby
0 February 21, 2022Reply

The broccoli becomes mushy, but I really like it that way. It was super easy to make. I made this ahead of time and bake it later. It tasted great. I would recommend you steam your broccoli on the stovetop to your liking, add all the ingredients and bake in the oven.
Anne
0 November 10, 2021Reply

For those of us without a pressure cooker slow cooker, how is it made in the oven?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 November 11, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Anne, Sorry, I haven’t tried it yet using an alternate method. Let me know how it goes if you try something different.
Jan Mowbray
0 July 26, 2021Reply

This was very good. I added cooked chicken to make it a meal on its own and I prepared the dish using the stove top and finishing it in the oven. I’ll make this again.
Susan
0 June 8, 2021Reply

Delicious! But because my instant pot requires 1 1/2 c of liquid to come to pressure, I used more chicken broth than the recipe called for. Instead of draining some off I left it, and ended up with more of a broccoli soup than a casserole. But no worries, I served it in bowls 🙂 along with the meal. I will eat the leftovers as broccoli cheddar soup!
Shawn
0 May 18, 2021Reply

I made this at 4 serving calculation. Added a bit of onion (because I had some to use up). It was very tasty but not very appealing visually because the cream cheese and cheddar cheese were too gooey when melted (like others have posted, mine became more like a dip than a casserole). When I reheat the leftovers I may try adding some pre-steamed cauliflower to use some of the extra sauce. As I said, the taste was very good so I will definitely try it again but next time will try finishing in the oven so that it is ‘drier’.
JoyM
0 May 15, 2021Reply

This is so yummy! Since I only had half of the broccoli called for, I also added fresh yellow squash and zucchini. I was concerned it wouldn’t have much flavor but it was VERY flavorful! We had it with tri-tip. Our family has been enjoying your recipes. Thank you
Anna
0 February 10, 2021Reply

My husband and I both loved this dish. I didn’t have the chicken broth when I started so instead of running to the store for one item, I made my own veggie broth with herbs I had on had. The recipe was quick and easy with great results!
arianak04
0 January 26, 2021Reply

Enjoy the recipe, nailed the dinner on a weekday! I had to adjust the amount of ingredients since I have one large Broccoli! Served with chicken breast!
Debbie
0 January 13, 2021Reply

Hi Maya! I love your recipes. So quick, easy and tasty! I have not found one yet that I didn’t like. I am wondering if I could use frozen broccoli for this recipe, or do you think it would go mushy? Thank you!
pam willetts
0 October 19, 2020Reply

Reminds me of a recipe made years ago that included rice and used frozen broccoli florets and was baked. I might just try it again using cauliflower rice – might cut the richness and baking would make less mushy, I think. It was a very popular potluck recipe and a family favorite.
Wendy
0 July 26, 2020Reply

New to the Keto/low carb world of cooking.. I did follow this recipe exactly as written using my InstaPot/SloCooker. It did turn out but we thought it was just too mushy and too rich. I think this would make a great broccoli cheese soup maybe using half the cream cheese and a lot more chicken broth. Maybe I’ll give it a try this winter! I did like that it was a FAST Prep and Cook recipe.
- Maya | Wholesome Yum
  0 July 27, 2020Reply
  
  Hi Wendy, It’s definitely a rich casserole. 🙂 It’s actually based on my broccoli cheese soup recipe here, if that’s more up your alley.
Brian
0 May 1, 2020Reply

Cooking instructions if you don’t have a pressure cooker?
- Wholesome Yum M
  0 May 2, 2020Reply
  
  Hi Brian, This recipe can be made on the stovetop with any deep skillet or pot with a lid. The steaming will take longer than a minute if not using a pressure cooker, but you will still reach the same result. Enjoy!
Ronda
0 February 26, 2020Reply

Delish!! And easy to make. A definite repeat!!!
Thanks for sharing
Stacy
0 February 7, 2020Reply

The flavors were sooo tasty! I made this in the crockpot, because I don’t have a pressure cooker or anything with all the fancy button options….I dumped it all together, except for the shredded cheese and cooked it with some half-frozen chicken breasts for a couple hours. I know the chicken yielded some liquid, but when I had the broccoli in – which seemed like a lot sticking up out of the mixture, I added an extra cup of chicken broth. That made it rather soupy, but still very delicious. My husband LOVES soups, so it didn’t really matter, but I probably won’t add the extra broth next time. I put the cheese in about 15 minutes before we ate, just so it’d melt at the end.

Thank you for a great recipe – your website is one I’ve come back to many times since we started our Keto journey 2 weeks ago 🙂
Vicky
0 February 2, 2020Reply

Hmm…I made this in an Instant Pot and similarly used 1 minute on Steam for the broccoli, with the chicken broth and garlic. But when I stirred in the cream cheese and cheese, it all just became a creamy broccoli dip. It’s tasty, but it’s definitely not casserole-like.
- Alisha
  0 March 30, 2020Reply
  
  Same thing happened to me! Pure mush with only one minute of steam.
  - Maya | Wholesome Yum
    0 March 30, 2020Reply
    
    Hi Vicky and Alisha, I haven’t tried it in the Instant Pot (I made it in the Crock Pot pressure cooker) so can’t 100% confirm, but it might be that the Steam setting works differently? You could try manual pressure instead next time. Also, make sure your broccoli florets are not too small, if they are they will cook too quickly. Hope this helps!
Darlene Sanchez
0 December 17, 2019Reply

I accidently left the broccoli in too long but, no regrets! It turned into an amazing broccoli cheese soup!
Matt Freund
0 November 21, 2019Reply

This looks really good.
Shinta Simon
0 November 21, 2019Reply

I’m all about casseroles in winter! This one is absolutely comforting.
Rebecca
0 November 21, 2019Reply

I love a good broccoli casserole, this is delicious!
Beth
0 November 21, 2019Reply

I love everything about this recipe: quick, easy, cheesy and family friendly!! Delish!
Cristina
0 November 21, 2019Reply

I don’t have a crockpot express easy steam pressure cooker. Is there an alternate method to cook this either with a slow cooker or in the oven or sauteeing? Thank you!
- Maya | Wholesome Yum
  0 November 21, 2019Reply
  
  Hi Cristina, Sorry, I haven’t tried it yet using an alternate method. Let me know how it goes if you try something different.
- Chryssi
  0 December 30, 2019Reply
  
  I don’t either but it’s just like doing it on the stovetop I’m sure, just longer cooking times. I’m going to make this soon and I plan on doing it in the stove and then moving it to a Pyrex to finish in the oven.
Kelly Anthony
0 November 21, 2019Reply

It’s so nice to have Thanksgiving recipes that won’t knock you off the diet track. Love this! Thank you!!!
Genevieve
0 November 21, 2019Reply

This recipe looks delicious!
Sadia Malik
0 November 20, 2019Reply

such an easy and quick recipe love it
Beth
0 November 20, 2019Reply

I think this is such a great idea making the side dish in the pressure cooker! Space is always a problem for us and this would solve it! Thanks!
Kelly Anthony
0 November 20, 2019Reply

What a great way to free up oven space and make a keto-friendly recipe for the upcoming holidays.
Nellie Tracy
0 November 20, 2019Reply

This recipe is so delicious! My family absolutely loves it!
Jamie
0 November 20, 2019Reply

I love how this all comes together in only 15 minutes! Definitely satisfying and full of cheesy flavors!