Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Irresistible
A silky sauce and golden crumb topping elevate veggies into a cozy indulgence.
Broccoli and cauliflower come together in a decadent casserole that goes above and beyond in the world of vegetable sides. This dish is a satisfying blend of tender florets, a luscious cheese sauce, and a crunchy, buttered breadcrumb topping—making it a guaranteed hit at any mealtime. Whether you’re looking for a showstopping side for the holidays or a comforting weeknight staple, this broccoli-cauliflower casserole truly delivers.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Cheese Sauce Tips & Variations
- Topping Options
- What to Serve With Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole
- Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- Nutrition and Allergen Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ingredients
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple ingredients melding into an extraordinary, crave-worthy dish:
- Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cauliflower florets – Fresh or frozen, also cut small
- Butter – Unsalted preferred, for controlling saltiness
- Onion – Chopped finely to melt into the sauce
- Garlic – Adds depth and aroma
- All-purpose flour – To thicken the cheese sauce
- Chicken broth – Low-sodium recommended, for a rich but not overpowering base
- Cream cheese – Softened, for silky texture
- Monterey Jack cheese – Or any good melting cheese such as cheddar or Gruyère
- Seasoned salt and paprika – For classic flavor and color
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
- Seasoned breadcrumbs – For the topping
- Melted butter – To crisp the topping
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these easy steps to achieve creamy, bubbling, golden casserole perfection:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a casserole dish (about 9×13 or slightly smaller).
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Break the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets, discarding thick stems.
- Steam or blanch the florets for 3–4 minutes until barely tender and bright; remove and set aside.
Discover how you can create an entirely new flavor experience with our Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole. This dish combines the classic flavors of broccoli and cheese with crunchy cracker topping for an irresistibly fun twist on texture that everyone will love. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk for about 45 seconds, creating a roux.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika to taste.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese, reserving the rest for layering.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs with one tablespoon of melted butter. Stir with a fork until crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Distribute half of the broccoli and cauliflower in the casserole dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle with half of the remaining shredded cheese. Add more paprika for color if desired.
- Repeat layering with the rest of the vegetables, sauce, and cheese.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly for 10–15 minutes before serving. The casserole will set up a bit and slices will hold together beautifully.
Cheese Sauce Tips & Variations
A truly great casserole is all about the sauce. Here are some tips and creative swaps to make your casserole uniquely delicious:
- Use Good Cheese: Monterey Jack is creamy and mild, but cheddar, Gruyère, or even a bit of Parmesan bring bolder flavor.
- Add Heat: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Get Fancy: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, crumbled cooked bacon, or diced roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour if needed.
- Vegetarian Switch: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Add more grated cheese between layers for a gooier casserole.
Topping Options
The crispy topping is key for great textural contrast. Here are delicious options:
- Seasoned breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter (classic!)
- Crushed buttery crackers for an extra-salty crunch
- Panko breadcrumbs for lighter, crispier texture
- Finely grated Parmesan for a savory, golden finish
Feel free to mix and match depending on your crowd’s preferences or what you have in the pantry.
What to Serve With Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide variety of mains. Some classic serving ideas include:
- Roast Chicken or Turkey for a festive holiday or Sunday dinner
- Baked or Pan-Seared Salmon for a healthy, vibrant meal
- Pork Chops or Ham, especially during Easter or Christmas season
- Vegetarian Main: Serve alongside baked potatoes, grain salads, or roasted mushrooms for a satisfying meatless spread
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking as directed.
- Storing Leftovers: Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits!
- Reheating: Bake covered in a 350°F oven until heated through, then uncover to crisp the topping. For individual portions, use the microwave but the topping will not be as crisp.
- Freezing: Freeze fully baked and cooled casserole for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat, covered, in the oven.
Nutrition and Allergen Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210–260 |
| Fat | 15g–19g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g–14g |
| Protein | 7g–9g |
| Fiber | 2g–3g |
Allergens: Contains milk, wheat (from breadcrumbs and cheese). Can be modified to be gluten-free as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well, then pat dry before assembling. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Q: What cheese works best in this casserole?
A: Monterey Jack melts beautifully and gives a mild flavor. Cheddar, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses (like Jack and sharp cheddar) are excellent too.
Q: How do I keep the topping crunchy?
A: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top, and bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
Q: Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Extra Tips for the Best Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole
- Let the casserole rest after baking so it sets for easier serving and the flavors meld.
- Taste the sauce before layering—make sure it’s robustly seasoned since vegetables need a generous amount of flavor.
- You can scale the ingredients up or down to fit your family’s needs or to fill larger pans for a crowd.
Bring This Classic Casserole to Your Table
If you’re searching for the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy comfort and wholesome vegetables, look no further than this broccoli-cauliflower casserole. It’s equally at home next to a grand holiday roast or as a hearty side for weeknight meals. The combination of vibrant broccoli, sweet cauliflower, and smooth cheese sauce crowned with a golden, crispy topping is irresistible to both kids and adults alike. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a treasured staple in your recipe rotation!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62804450/cauliflower-and-broccoli-casserole-with-bacon-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5kG3TBiVuY
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11888/broccoli-cauliflower-casserole/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/products/a32689593/broccoli-cauliflower-casserole-frozen-side/
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