Craving the ultimate comfort food without the carbs? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower is your answer! We’re talking tender-crisp veggies swimming in a rich, creamy sauce made with Swiss or Gruyère cheese, all topped with a generous sprinkle of crispy, savory bacon. It’s a classic pairing elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness, and your slow cooker does all the work. Get ready for a side dish so good, it might just steal the show!
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml olive oil
• 3 cups / 300 g cauliflower florets
• 3 cups / 275 g broccoli florets
• ½ cup / 75 g chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup / 240 ml heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups / 226 g shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese, divided
• 4 slices sugar-free bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
Instructions
1. Grease the inside of a medium slow cooker stoneware with the olive oil.
2. Add the cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and 1½ cups of the shredded cheese. Stir again to ensure all the vegetables are coated in the creamy mixture.
4. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese and the crumbled bacon over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 364
• Fat: 30 g (74%)
• Net Carbs: 8 g (9%)
• Protein: 16 g (18%)
Pro Tips
• For a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
• Don’t overcook! Check the vegetables at the 5-hour mark to ensure they remain tender-crisp and not mushy.
• Swap the Swiss or Gruyère for a sharp cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend for a different flavor profile.
• To save time, use pre-cooked bacon crumbles, but freshly cooked bacon will always provide the best flavor and texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower for this recipe
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. For best results, thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which can make the sauce watery. You may also need to reduce the cooking time, so start checking for tenderness around the 4-hour mark.
Q: What other cheeses work well in this slow cooker recipe
A: While Swiss or Gruyère are recommended for their creamy, nutty flavor, this recipe is very flexible. Feel free to substitute with sharp cheddar, a Monterey Jack blend, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Q: How do I prevent my vegetables from getting mushy
A: The key to perfect tender-crisp vegetables is to avoid overcooking. We recommend checking for doneness at the 5-hour mark on the LOW setting. The broccoli and cauliflower should be easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite.
Q: Is this cheesy broccoli and cauliflower recipe keto-friendly
A: Absolutely! With only 8g of net carbs per serving, this slow cooker cheesy broccoli and cauliflower is an excellent keto-friendly and low-carb side dish. Just ensure you use sugar-free bacon to keep it compliant.
