Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy vegetable side dish perfect for any meal. Featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower smothered in a flavorful cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy garlic breadcrumb crust, it bakes to golden perfection and delivers comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
Cream Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp thyme, fresh
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Crumb Topping
- 1½ cups plain bread crumbs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil while preparing the broccoli and cauliflower by washing and cutting into 1 inch pieces.
- Cook Vegetables. Boil or steam the broccoli and cauliflower for 5 minutes until they are semi-tender, then drain them well and transfer into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Make the Cream Sauce. In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until thickened. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Combine and Cheese. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Prepare Crumb Topping. In a small bowl, combine the plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Evenly spread this crumb mixture over the cheese layer in the casserole.
- Bake. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are fully tender.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead of time; store it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving until bubbly in the center.
- If the cream sauce seems too thick without chicken broth, add a splash more milk to reach the desired consistency.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
