Cheesy Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Au Gratin with Sausage – Easy One-Pan Dinner

Introduction

Hi everyone, Emily here! If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug but keeps your macros exactly where they need to be, this Broccoli Cauliflower Au Gratin is your new best friend. In 2026, we’re seeing a massive trend toward “Skillet-to-Table” comfort—dishes that minimize cleanup without sacrificing that gourmet, bubbly-cheese finish. This recipe takes the humble cruciferous veggie duo and elevates them with smoky sausage and a velvety, rich cheese sauce. It’s hearty enough for a main course and decadent enough that no one will even miss the potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The “One-Pan” Potential: If you use an oven-safe skillet, you can skip the extra bowl and baking dish entirely, making this a true one-pan wonder.

• Liquid Gold Sauce: Using cream cheese and heavy cream creates a sauce that is significantly thicker and more stable than traditional flour-based béchamel.

• Smoky & Savory: The rendered fat from the smoked sausage seasons the onions and garlic, adding a layer of depth you won’t find in a standard veggie bake.

• Fiber-Rich Satiety: With 4g of fiber and 20g of protein, this dish keeps you full and satisfied without the blood sugar spike.

Equipment

• Large Skillet: Cast iron or oven-safe stainless steel is ideal for that one-pan efficiency.

• Whisk: To ensure your cream cheese and heavy cream emulsify into a silky sauce.

• Baking Dish: (Optional) If your skillet isn’t oven-safe.

• Chef’s Knife: For slicing the sausage and dicing the aromatics.

Ingredients

The Vegetables & Meat

• 2 cups Cauliflower florets (fresh or pre-chopped)

• 2 cups Broccoli florets (lightly steamed)

• 1 pound Smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)

The Cheese Sauce

• 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup Heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons Butter

• 1 medium Onion (diced)

• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)

Instructions

1. The Sear: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sliced smoked sausage for 5–7 minutes until the edges are beautifully browned and the fat has rendered.

2. Aromatic Base: Remove the sausage (or push to the side). Add the butter to the skillet and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. The Creamy Transform: Stir in the softened cream cheese. Once it begins to melt, gradually whisk in the heavy whipping cream. Continue whisking for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

4. The Cheese Fold: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce looks like “liquid gold.”

5. The Combine: Add the steamed cauliflower, broccoli, and the browned sausage back into the skillet (or a large bowl). Stir until every floret is generously coated in the cheese sauce.

6. The Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (or leave it in your oven-safe skillet). Bake for 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden-brown.

7. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

You Must Know

Technique Alert: Don’t over-steam your vegetables! You want them “fork-tender” but still firm. They will continue to cook in the oven, and over-steaming them early will lead to a watery sauce as the vegetables release their moisture during the bake. Pro Tip: If your sauce seems too thick before adding the veggies, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: This dish is even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the texture, or in the air fryer for a crispy cheese top.

Ingredient Substitutions

• The Protein: Swap smoked sausage for diced ham or crispy bacon bits.

• The Cheese: Smoked Gouda or Pepper Jack can be substituted for cheddar for a completely different flavor profile.

• The Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra volume and color.

Serving Suggestions

• The Side: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

• The Garnish: Top with fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a professional finish.

• The Crunch: Add a handful of crushed pork rinds on top before baking for a keto-friendly “breadcrumb” crunch.

Cultural and Historical Context

“Au Gratin” is a traditional French technique referring to a dish topped with a browned crust of breadcrumbs or cheese. While traditionally laden with potatoes and flour-thickened sauces, the 2026 keto adaptation—using cruciferous vegetables and high-fat dairy—preserves the luxury of the French original while adhering to modern low-carb nutritional standards.

Seasonal Adaptations

• Autumn: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for an earthy, warming undertone.

• Spring: Use fresh asparagus pieces alongside the broccoli for a bright, seasonal green boost.

Perfect Occasions

• Weeknight Dinner: 30-45 minutes total for a complete, one-pan meal.

• Holiday Side Dish: This is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional “Green Bean Casserole” or “Scalloped Potatoes.”

• Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a stellar option for high-protein office lunches.

Freezer Meal Conversion

• To Freeze: You can freeze this dish before baking. Assemble the ingredients in a freezer-safe foil tray, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To Reheat: Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or thaw in the fridge overnight and bake for the standard 20 minutes.

Pro Tips

• The One-Pan Secret: Use a 12-inch cast iron skillet. You can sear the meat, make the sauce, and bake the whole thing in the same vessel.

• Cheese Quality: Grate your own cheddar! Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch that can make your sauce slightly grainy.

FAQs About Recipes

• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes! Just ensure you thaw them and pat them dry completely to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

• Why did my sauce separate? This usually happens if the heat is too high. Whisk constantly and keep the heat at “medi

  

  Cheesy Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Au Gratin

  A rich and savory low-carb casserole featuring a duo of cruciferous vegetables and smoked sausage smothered in a creamy, three-cheese style sauce.

  Print Recipe Pin Recipe

  Prep Time 10 minutes mins

  Cook Time 25 minutes mins

  Total Time 35 minutes mins

  Servings: 6 Servings

  Course: Dinner

  Cuisine: American, Keto

  Calories: 400

  Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

  Ingredients

    

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets & 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish

  Method

   

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Brown sliced sausage in a skillet; remove.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft.
  4. Whisk in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
  5. Incorporate cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Stir in sausage and steamed veggies to coat.
  7. Transfer to a dish (if needed) and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.

  Notes

  1. Dry the Veggies: Whether fresh or frozen, ensure your broccoli and cauliflower are patted dry after steaming to prevent a watery sauce. 2. Oven-Safe Skillet: Using a cast-iron skillet allows you to go from stovetop to oven, making this a true one-pan cleanup meal. 3. The Resting Phase: Give the dish 5 minutes of rest after baking; this helps the cream-cheese-based sauce thicken to a perfect coating consistency.

  um” when adding the dairy.