Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower florets baked in a rich sauce topped with a golden, garlicky breadcrumb crust. Perfect for gatherings and holiday meals, it offers a comforting blend of fresh veggies and sharp cheddar cheese with savory herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
Casserole 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 oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook Broccoli and Cauliflower: Boil or steam broccoli and cauliflower for 4-5 minutes until semi-tender. Drain well and transfer to a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes until onions are tender and fragrant.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in flour and cook for a minute until bubbling. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the broccoli and cauliflower. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses on top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
- If the sauce is too thick without chicken broth, add a little extra milk to thin it to your preferred consistency.
- Make sure to drain the vegetables thoroughly after boiling or steaming to prevent a watery casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
