This broccoli cheese bake is loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and creamy garlic-herb sauce. An easy, cheesy low-carb side dish!

Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Casserole

If you love broccoli smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, this broccoli cheese bake with bacon belongs on your dinner table. Fresh broccoli gets tossed in a rich garlic-herb cream cheese sauce, loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, and baked until hot, bubbly, and covered in melted cheese.

It’s an easy, low-carb alternative to traditional broccoli casserole made with condensed soup, and you don’t have to be following a keto diet to enjoy every cheesy bite. Serve this broccoli casserole alongside baked chicken, pork tenderloin, steak, or your holiday dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Bake

• Big cheesy flavor: Garlic-herb cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan make a rich, savory sauce.
• Crispy bacon in every bite: Because broccoli and cheese are good, but bacon makes them even better.
• No canned condensed soup: The creamy sauce comes together with simple ingredients.
• Low-carb and keto-friendly: A satisfying vegetable side without a breadcrumb topping or flour-based sauce.
• Perfect for dinner or the holidays: This cheesy broccoli casserole works just as well for a weeknight meal as it does on a holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli works beautifully. Cut it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
• Garlic and herb cream cheese: The shortcut to a flavorful, creamy sauce without a long list of ingredients.
• Heavy cream: Helps loosen the cream cheese into a smooth sauce.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar gives the casserole its classic cheesy flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty bite to the sauce.
• Bacon: Cook until crispy, then chop it into pieces.
• Green onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper: Season the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
• Lemon juice: A small squeeze brightens the rich, creamy sauce.
• Butter: For greasing the casserole dish.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Bake with Bacon

• Cook the bacon: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop once cool enough to handle.

• Steam the broccoli: Add 1–2 inches of water to a large pot with a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, add the broccoli, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes, just until it begins to soften. Drain thoroughly, leaving the broccoli slightly firm so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.

• Make the garlic-herb cheese sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the garlic-herb cream cheese and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan. Keep the sauce at a gentle heat rather than letting it boil.

• Combine the ingredients: Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce. Add half of the shredded cheddar, most of the chopped bacon, most of the green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir until the broccoli is evenly coated.

• Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9-by-9-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top, followed by the reserved bacon and green onions. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot throughout. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: A quick steam is enough. Broccoli that is too soft before baking can turn mushy.
• Drain away excess moisture: Water left on the broccoli can thin the sauce and make the casserole watery.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Block cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking ingredients.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle heat: Avoid boiling the cream cheese mixture, which can affect its texture.
• Reserve some bacon for the top: It adds extra flavor and gives the finished casserole a more appealing appearance.
• Want to make it a main dish? Stir in a couple of cups of cooked chicken or leftover ham before baking.
• Want a crunchy topping? Sprinkle crushed pork rinds over the casserole for a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs.

Common Questions About Broccoli Cheese Bake

• Is broccoli cheese bake keto-friendly? This recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly, using broccoli, cheese, cream cheese, and bacon instead of a flour-based sauce or traditional breadcrumb topping. Check the nutrition information and calculate the carbs using your own ingredient brands if you’re tracking closely.
• How many carbs are in broccoli casserole? The current recipe-card estimate is 9.2 grams of total carbohydrates per serving, including 2.9 grams of fiber. Nutrition can vary with ingredient brands and serving sizes, so use the recipe-card estimate as a guide rather than a guarantee.
• Should I steam or blanch the broccoli first? Yes. Briefly steaming the broccoli for 2–3 minutes helps it begin to soften before baking. Drain it thoroughly so excess water doesn’t thin the cheese sauce.
• How do I keep broccoli casserole from getting watery? Avoid overcooking the broccoli, drain it well after steaming, and let excess moisture escape before mixing it into the sauce. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain or blot it thoroughly before adding it.
• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes. Thaw the broccoli completely and remove as much excess moisture as possible. Frozen broccoli can be softer than fresh, so handle it gently and avoid overcooking it before assembling the casserole.
• Can I use mayonnaise instead of heavy cream or sour cream? Mayonnaise isn’t a direct one-to-one substitute for the heavy cream in this particular recipe. The sauce is built around garlic-herb cream cheese and a small amount of heavy cream. Changing those ingredients will affect the flavor and consistency, so stick with the recipe as written for the intended result.
• What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping? Crushed pork rinds, extra shredded cheddar, or a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan can provide a low-carb topping. Add a topping only if you want extra crunch; the casserole is delicious without one.
• How do I keep the cheese sauce from becoming grainy or separating? Heat the cream cheese and heavy cream gently, stirring until smooth. Avoid boiling the sauce, and use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting texture.
• Can I make broccoli cheese casserole ahead of time? You can prepare the components ahead and refrigerate them separately. For the best texture, assemble the casserole shortly before baking. If you assemble it the day before, cover and refrigerate it, then bake until heated through; it may need extra time straight from the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze broccoli cheese bake? You can freeze it, but the broccoli may soften and the creamy cheese sauce may change texture after thawing. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate leftovers.
• What should I serve with broccoli cheese bake? This cheesy broccoli casserole pairs well with roast chicken, steak, pork chops, meatloaf, baked ham, or another simple protein. It’s also a great low-carb side for a holiday meal.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This cheesy broccoli bake is rich and savory, so it pairs well with simply seasoned main dishes. Serve it alongside turkey meatloaf, keto chicken meatballs, or baked ham for an easy dinner. For a holiday spread, add your favorite roasted vegetables and a hearty main course.

Make This Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Casserole

This broccoli cheese bake is proof that a vegetable side dish doesn’t have to be boring. With tender broccoli, a creamy garlic-herb sauce, plenty of melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, it’s a comforting addition to weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike.

If you make this recipe, leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you keep it as a side dish or add chicken to make it a meal?

Enjoy!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I would love for you to leave a rating and a comment below! Let me know, how’d you do?! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Casserole

Print

Pin

Rate

This broccoli cheese bake is loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and creamy garlic-herb sauce. An easy, cheesy low-carb side dish!

Heather

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Serving Size 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets approximately two heads of broccoli
• 8 ounces garlic and herb cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2-3 green onions diced
• 6 slices crispy cooked bacon slices chopped
• 2 cups block sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow) shredded
• squeeze of lemon

Instructions

• To make this Keto Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole, start by preheating oven to 425 degrees and buttering a 9x9 casserole dish and setting aside. 
• To cook your bacon, spray a baking sheet with non stick spray and lay your bacon out flat on the pan.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy before removing the bacon to a paper towel lined plate while you prepare the remainder of your recipe.
• Add your broccoli florets to a large strainer over a pot filled with 1-2 inches of water, bring to a boil and then cover, steaming broccoli for 2-3 minutes. When done, remove from heat and set aside. 
• In a large skillet or pot, combine garlic and herb cream cheese and heavy cream over medium high heat. Add spices and parmesan cheese then stir to combine. Toss in the broccoli florets, half of the shredded cheese and most of the crispy bacon pieces, most of the green onions and add a squeeze of lemon. 
• Transfer the broccoli to the buttered casserole dish and then cover with the remaining cheddar cheese and remaining bacon and green onions. Bake covered for 20 minutes and then uncovered for another 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT BROCCOLI AU GRATIN CASSEROLE

• Want to switch this broccoli au gratin from a low-carb side dish to a main course super star?  Add in a couple cups of cooked chicken chunks or leftover ham.
• Garlic not your thing?  No worries, instead of using the garlic and herb cream cheese, substitute it with regular cream cheese or any other flavor of your liking.
• Using pre-cooked bacon pieces found in the salad topping section of your grocery store work perfectly and help this dish shine as a 30 minute meal.
• Don't have fresh broccoli?  No worries .. grab a bag of frozen florets and steam as instructed.
• Missing the crunchy topping? Add some crunch by crushing up some pork rinds and sprinkling them on top of your cheesy broccoli.  MMMMMM.....
• Want to make this broccoli and cheese casserole ahead of time? Simply assemble the day before but don't bake it, cover it and park it in the fridge. When ready, remove from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature, give it a good stir, sprinkle on the cheese and toppings and bake until mixture is hot and bubbly.
• Want to substitute the broccoli?  Try making this recipe using green beans, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.

Disclaimer: If you are on a KETO or Low Carb diet, always make sure to double check your own information with the Carb Manager app or My Fitness Pal based on the brands and weights you use. I am not responsible for the calculations but do try to provide as much information as possible for readers to make informed decisions.

Nutrition

Serving: 6g | Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.2g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 27.7g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 73.6mg | Sodium: 797.2mg | Potassium: 357.9mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 4.6g | Vitamin A: 2395IU | Vitamin C: 119.3mg | Calcium: 431mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Be sure to share with me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Youtube!

Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe

Update Notes: This post was originally published in May of 2019 but was republished with an updated recipe, new photos, step by step instructions and tips in October of 2026.