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.
- 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.
What others are reading
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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