Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice is a delicious low-carb side dish that combines tender riced vegetables with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy veggies with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups cauliflower rice
• 2 cups broccoli rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and broccoli rice, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are just tender, about 8–9 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked vegetable rice to a bowl. Wipe the pan clean and return it to medium heat.
4. Step 4: Add the butter to the pan. Once melted, whisk in the heavy whipping cream and mustard powder until well blended. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Return the cauliflower and broccoli rice to the pan, stirring to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
7. Step 7: Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cauliflower and broccoli for the best texture and flavor rather than frozen.
• Shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese to ensure better melting and no added starches.
• Add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, sausage, or diced ham for extra protein and heartiness.
• For guidance on prepping cauliflower rice, refer to a tutorial on how to rice cauliflower if needed.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower and broccoli rice?

While fresh is preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen riced vegetables. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice is a creamy, low-carb side dish featuring riced cauliflower and broccoli coated in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for a wholesome, flavorful vegetable dish that combines tender cauliflower and broccoli with a smooth, cheesy, and slightly tangy sauce made from heavy cream and mustard powder.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 cups cauliflower (riced, see notes)
• 2 cups broccoli (riced)

Cooking Fat & Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter

Sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
2. Sauté the riced vegetables: Add the riced cauliflower and broccoli to the skillet, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook while stirring often until the mixture is just tender, about 8-9 minutes.
3. Prepare the sauce base: Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a bowl, then wipe the skillet clean. Return the skillet to medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder until the mixture is well blended. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until hot and bubbly.
4. Melt the cheese: Gradually whisk in 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cream mixture until fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine vegetables with cheese sauce: Return the cooked riced cauliflower and broccoli back to the skillet and stir well to evenly coat the vegetables with the cheesy sauce.
6. Finish cooking: Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through and combined evenly. Serve hot.

Notes

• For best results, rice fresh cauliflower and broccoli yourself instead of using frozen to avoid excess moisture.
• Shred cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better without added starches.
• Consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, sausage, or ham for extra protein and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-5 days.
• This recipe is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice dishes and fits well into keto-friendly meal plans.
• See detailed techniques on how to rice cauliflower in linked posts for best vegetable texture.

Keywords: cheesy cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, low carb side dish, keto appetizer, cheesy vegetable dish, riced cauliflower recipe, healthy vegetable side