This cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, low-carb dinner made with smoked sausage and hearty vegetables. It’s an easy and delicious dish the whole family will love. With a rich, cheesy sauce and a savory sausage kick, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food while keeping things low-carb.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Packed with veggies and protein, this dish fits well into a low-carb lifestyle.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Creamy & Cheesy – A luscious, cheesy sauce coats every bite for ultimate comfort.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- ½ pound cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (Polish or Andouille), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes for easier mixing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or substitute plain yogurt or sour cream)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the Vegetables – Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets, cook for 3 minutes, then drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics – In a skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Stir in the onions and cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 15 seconds. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until browned.
- Combine Ingredients – Transfer the broccoli, cauliflower, and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Mixture – In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
- Mix & Assemble – Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli and sausage mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake – Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Crunchy Topping – Add crushed pork rinds or almond slivers for extra crunch before baking.
- Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Different Cheeses – Swap Mexican blend cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda.
- Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Bacon Upgrade – Stir in crispy bacon bits for an even more flavorful dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cauliflower and broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh vegetables work best in this recipe and provide better texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausages like Polish kielbasa or Andouille add the best flavor to this dish.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella for a unique twist.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Make sure to drain the boiled broccoli and cauliflower well before adding them to the casserole.
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low-carb and perfect for a keto diet.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter version.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
How can I add more protein?
Mix in cooked chicken or turkey sausage for an extra protein boost.
Conclusion
This cheesy Cauliflower Casserole with smoked sausage is the perfect comfort food with a low-carb twist. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal with your family!
Print
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a low-carb, creamy, and hearty dish loaded with smoked sausage, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this easy casserole is packed with flavor and takes just 35 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1/2 lb cauliflower florets
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz smoked sausage (Polish or Andouille), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature, cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or plain yogurt/sour cream)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add broccoli and cauliflower florets; boil for 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain well and set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage & Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the broccoli, cauliflower, and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the cheese mixture into the baking dish until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond slivers on top before baking.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Spice it up! Add red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
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