When you’re following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying side dishes that deliver on both flavor and nutrition can be challenging. This oven-roasted broccoli and cheese solves that problem beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting dish that rivals any traditional cheese sauce version. The beauty lies in its simplicity: tender-crisp broccoli florets topped with melted cheddar cheese, all prepared on a single sheet pan.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it captures all the satisfaction of classic broccoli with cheese sauce while keeping carbs to an absolute minimum. You get a pure, concentrated flavor without any hidden carbohydrates by skipping the flour-thickened sauce and letting the cheese melt directly over the roasted broccoli. It’s proof that sometimes, the most straightforward approach delivers the most delicious results.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic happens when the broccoli roasts in the oven’s dry heat, concentrating its natural flavors while maintaining the perfect tender-crisp texture. Unlike steaming or boiling, roasting caramelizes the edges slightly, adding depth and preventing the watery texture that often plagues broccoli dishes.
The cheese melts directly onto the hot broccoli, creating pockets of gooey goodness that cling to every floret. This direct application method eliminates the need for flour-based cheese sauces, keeping the dish keto-friendly while maximizing flavor impact.
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets – Provides a nutritious, fiber-rich base with minimal carbs
- Salt – Enhances natural flavors and helps draw out moisture for better roasting
- Garlic powder – Adds aromatic depth and savory complexity
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Creates the rich, melty topping that makes this dish irresistible
Ingredient Notes
You could also make this recipe with frozen broccoli. Costco sells frozen broccoli in large bags, which is perfect for a quick and easy side dish.
If you use frozen broccoli, you will not need to steam it before you prepare this dish. Frozen broccoli is already lightly cooked. When using frozen broccoli, pour out the amount you need onto a paper towel and let the ice melt so the excess water can drain off the frozen broccoli before putting it onto the sheet pan.
You can use any seasoning of your choice instead of the garlic powder.
How to Bake Broccoli and Cheese
- Steam broccoli lightly but not cooked through.
- Place broccoli on a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or foil.
- Season broccoli with salt and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top of the broccoli.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Keto Oven Roasted Broccoli and Cheese – Low Carb Side
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Steam broccoli lightly by placing it in a large bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water. Microwave for about 4 minutes. OR you can steam with your Instant Pot for about 2 minutes. The broccoli does not need to have cooked all of the way through.Â
- Place broccoli on a baking sheet that has been lined with either parchment paper or foil. Bunch up the broccoli close together. This way the cheese will stay on the broccoli and not the pan.Â
- Season broccoli with salt and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of broccoli.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Video
Nutrition
Looking for more low-carb recipes? Try these!
- Peruvian Chicken
- Cajun Shrimp
- Butter Poached Fish
- Twice Baked Cauliflower
- Pluckers Wings
- Grilled Artichokes and Garlic Aioli
- Skillet Cabbage
- Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Favorite Broccoli Recipes
- Broccoli Beef Panda Express
- Broccoli Madness Salad
- Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bake
- Easy Broccoli Salad
- Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Three Cheese Broccoli Soup
Be sure to check out more of my easy vegetable side dish recipes and tasty low carb recipes here on CopyKat.com!
This recipe is awesome! It’s like broccoli nachos! Definitely make a staple recipe!
Ha 😉 Love that name, broccoli nachos!
This looks so good I have to try this!
Quick and easy to make! My family loved this way to make broccoli. We sprinkled on some Cayenne pepper for a little spice.
I used chopped chicken and it was good.
I made this with Monterey Jack cheese, we loved it at my house.
Wonderful. My family enjoyed this dining option for our Keto diet.
Tried this for dinner, I used some Penzey’s Fox Point seasoning it was amazing.