Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting American side dish featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a crunchy garlic bread crumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, it offers a great way to enjoy nutritious vegetables with rich, flavorful cheese and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 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 and heat a large pot of water. Prepare the broccoli and cauliflower by washing and cutting into 1 inch pieces.
- Cook Vegetables: Boil or steam the broccoli and cauliflower in the pot of water for 5 minutes until they are semi-tender. Drain well and place them in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until thickened, then gradually whisk in the milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Evenly spread this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the broccoli and cauliflower are tender. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead of time; keep refrigerated and bake just before serving.
- For best results, bake until the casserole is bubbly in the center and the topping is golden brown.
- If your sauce feels too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out as needed since chicken broth has been removed from the original recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
