Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried a cheesy low carb casserole. I had just decided to cut down on carbs but didn’t want to compromise on comfort food. I remember standing in my cozy kitchen, the aroma of melting cheese filling the air, and thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Today, I’m sharing this recipe so you too can enjoy a warm, cheesy casserole that’s both indulgent and low in carbs. Over the years, I’ve experimented with so many versions adding different veggies, swapping cheeses, and even trying chicken, turkey, or bacon and each time it feels like a hug in a dish.
Cheesy low carb casseroles are perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even a quick weeknight treat. The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use it as a base and personalize it to your taste. Plus, it’s hearty, satisfying, and totally guilt-free!
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Honestly, there’s something magical about casseroles. They are like edible comfort blankets, and making a low carb version means I can enjoy that same cozy feeling without worrying about carbs. I love that I can mix vegetables, proteins, and cheese into one pan, pop it in the oven, and have a meal that feels indulgent but is actually nourishing. Every time I take it out of the oven, golden, bubbly, and fragrant, it feels like a little celebration.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing the dish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Steam the cauliflower before baking to avoid excess moisture.
- Mix cheeses well to get that perfectly gooey texture.
- Don’t overcrowd your casserole dish give it space to crisp a little on the edges.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a medium casserole dish with butter.
- Steam the cauliflower florets until just tender. Drain any excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower, zucchini, shredded chicken, garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the cheddar and mozzarella, saving a handful to sprinkle on top.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this casserole straight from the oven, warm and bubbly. Sometimes I add a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side. If I’m feeling extra cozy, I drizzle a little homemade garlic butter over the top. My family loves digging in together, and it’s amazing how everyone sneaks seconds without even realizing it’s low carb!
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1–2 minute intervals or bake at 170°C (340°F) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and bake when ready perfect for busy weeknights.
100-Word Short Version
Cheesy low carb casseroles are a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any night. Start by steaming cauliflower and combining it with zucchini, cooked chicken, cream, and garlic. Mix in shredded cheddar and mozzarella, pour into a greased casserole dish, and top with parmesan and remaining cheese. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. This cozy, versatile dish is indulgent yet guilt-free, making it a family favorite!
Recipe Card Section (Before Conclusion)
⏱️ Time: Prep 15 mins | Cook 30 mins | Total 45 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing the dish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease casserole dish.
- Steam cauliflower until tender and drain.
- Mix cauliflower, zucchini, chicken, garlic, cream, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cheddar and mozzarella, reserving some for topping.
- Pour mixture into casserole dish and smooth top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar and parmesan on top.
- Bake 25–30 mins until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 mins before serving.
📝 Notes:
- Steam vegetables to prevent sogginess.
- Mix cheeses well for perfect gooeyness.
- Assemble ahead for busy nights.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Cheesy Low Carb Casseroles
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy my cozy and comforting Cheesy Low Carb Casseroles! This delicious recipe combines tender cauliflower, zucchini, shredded chicken, and three types of cheese for a hearty, guilt-free meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing the dish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease casserole dish.
- Steam cauliflower until tender and drain.
- Mix cauliflower, zucchini, chicken, garlic, cream, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cheddar and mozzarella, reserving some for topping.
- Pour mixture into casserole dish and smooth top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar and parmesan on top.
- Bake 25–30 mins until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 mins before serving.
Notes
Steam vegetables to prevent sogginess. Mix cheeses well for perfect gooeyness. Assemble ahead for busy nights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Conclusion
Making cheesy low carb casseroles is one of my favorite ways to combine comfort and health. Each bite brings warmth, satisfaction, and the joy of a home-cooked meal. I hope this recipe inspires you to enjoy cozy dinners without feeling guilty and maybe even start some new kitchen traditions with your family. Cooking is love in action, and nothing makes me happier than seeing my loved ones smile over a hot, cheesy dish straight from the oven.