Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a delightful dish that combines nutritious vegetables with a creamy and cheesy comfort. Ideal for health-conscious individuals who don’t want to compromise on taste, this casserole is a popular choice for family dinners, potlucks, and festive gatherings.
The recipe starts with the preparation of the main ingredients: fresh broccoli and cauliflower. These vegetables are cut into bite-sized florets and are either steamed or blanched to bring out their natural flavors and to ensure they maintain a slight crunch. The health benefits of these cruciferous vegetables are notable, as they are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
The next step involves creating the creamy sauce, which is the heart of the casserole. This typically involves a roux made from butter and flour, to which milk or a mix of milk and cream is added. Seasonings like garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of nutmeg add depth to the sauce. Cheese, such as cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, is melted into the sauce, giving it a rich and velvety texture.
Assembly of the casserole is straightforward. The steamed broccoli and cauliflower are mixed with the creamy cheese sauce and transferred to a baking dish. The top of the casserole is often sprinkled with additional cheese or a crunchy topping made from breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter. This topping adds a delightful contrast to the soft and creamy vegetables beneath.
Baked until the top is golden and bubbly, Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole comes out of the oven with a mouthwatering aroma. The final dish offers a perfect balance of comforting cheese sauce and nutritious vegetables, making it a satisfying side dish or a vegetarian main course. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli and cauliflower while indulging in the cozy warmth of a baked casserole.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: Place broccoli and cauliflower in separate saucepans, cover with water, and bring to a boil; cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and arrange in an 11x7-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Beat eggs in a bowl until creamy; stir in 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and onion and pour over vegetables. Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Scatter crushed croutons evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until browned and bubbling, about 40 minutes.
Feedback of Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipes
This was really yummy and the kids loved it!
Love it, crowd pleaser, I make it for Christmas every year and there's never any leftovers!Only change I've made is using panko bread crumbs for the topping 😋
Made it with vegan "cheese" and it was delicious.
Delicious! Used French's onions instead of crushed croutons. Used an 8x8 pan.
I use less broccoli and cauliflower than called for and an extra egg and a little more mayonnaise. It makes it more moist and fluffy. I also use corn flake crumbs to sprinkle on the top instead of crushed croutons. Overall, this is a fantastic recipe. So tasty and feel good and I make it often.
Yum!!! I took another poster's hint and fried my onions. Then I added fried mushrooms, red/yellow/orange peppers to the sautee. ********** Nothing better than fresh and home-made !!!
Yummy and very easy
Everyone enjoyed this casserole.Am used to steaming my vegetables and that may have shrunk the size of the batch. I was out of mayonnaise so I used miracle whip instead. It worked fine. I cut the butter in half , used a 5oz. pkg. of croutons (5oz. not 15oz.!) and cut the size of the casserole to a 7x10” pan. An 8 x 8 pan or round will do.
Made for Christmas dinner with ribeye. It was easy and delicious. Will make again.
All Nutrifacts of Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipes
✅What are the main ingredients in the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole recipe?
The Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole primarily consists of fresh broccoli and cauliflower, creating a nutritious and fiber-rich base. It's often enhanced with a creamy cheese sauce, bread crumbs or crackers for crunch, and spices for additional flavor. This blend results in a hearty and satisfying dish.
✅Is the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole gluten-free, simply substitute any gluten-containing ingredients like bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Using gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce and gluten-free crackers for the topping makes this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
✅Can I prepare the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole in advance?
Yes, the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning or preparing dishes for gatherings ahead of time.
✅What variations can be made to the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole recipe?
Variations to the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole can include adding proteins like chicken or bacon, using different types of cheese for the sauce, or incorporating other vegetables such as carrots or spinach. These variations can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
✅How can I make the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole healthier?
To make the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole healthier, consider using low-fat cheese and milk for the sauce, reducing the amount of bread crumbs or opting for whole grain alternatives, and increasing the proportion of vegetables. These adjustments can lower the calorie content while maintaining the delicious taste.
