Low-Carb Ham and Broccoli Casserole au Gratin

Directions

Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Spray a 8″ x 12″ casserole dish with non-stick spray. Take cream cheese out of the fridge and put into a bowl or measuring cup that’s big enough to hold all the sauce ingredients. Let cream cheese soften on the counter while you prep other ingredients. You can partly soften cream cheese in the microwave by microwaving 20 seconds at a time and stirring until it’s as soft as desired. Cut up enough broccoli to make 6 cups broccoli flowerets, or slightly more. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, add broccoli, turn down to a low boil, and cook exactly 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, immediately drain broccoli into a colander placed in the sink and let it drain well. When the cream cheese is softened, mix in sour cream, 2 T coarsely grated Parmesan, 1 cup sharp cheddar, and sliced green onion. When broccoli is well drained, put it into a mixing bowl. Gently stir the sauce mixture into the broccoli, making sure the broccoli pieces are all coated with sauce. Add ham cubes to the bowl and gently combine with the broccoli and sauce. Place broccoli/cheese/ham mixture into a 8″ x 12″ casserole dish and season with fresh-ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup sharp cheddar and 2 T coarsely grated Parmesan over the top of the casserole. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbling hot.