Description
This Keto Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin With Sausage Delight is a nourishing, comforting, and simple family-favorite meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It offers incredible flavor without the carb count, is easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome vegetables and protein. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the tender broccoli, cauliflower, and savory sausage, making it a complete meal in one pan and a fantastic way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies.
Ingredients
4 cups Broccoli florets
4 cups Cauliflower florets
1 lb Ground Italian Sausage
1.5 cups Heavy Cream
4 oz Cream Cheese
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper
0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Next, steam or blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets until crisp-tender; do not overcook them. Drain thoroughly
- Meanwhile, brown the ground Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat
- Add the minced garlic to the sausage and cook for one minute until fragrant
- Then, in a separate saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream and cream cheese over medium heat until smooth
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly
- Now, combine the drained broccoli, cauliflower, and cooked sausage in a large bowl. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the vegetable and sausage mixture
- Gently toss everything to coat evenly
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brow
Notes
Ensure your vegetables are crisp-tender and well-drained before baking to prevent a watery au gratin.
Use good quality, full-fat cheeses for the creamiest sauce. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasonings as needed before combining.
For a deeper golden crust, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
For variations, swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage, or incorporate other low-carb vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Try Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy profile.
If using pre-cooked sausage, just crumble and warm it in the skillet with the garlic before proceeding.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for a crispier top.
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This recipe is substantial on its own. If desired, serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Keto, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Au Gratin, Sausage, Low Carb, Weeknight Meal, Family Favorite, One Pan Meal, Comfort Food