Description
A comforting and creamy broccoli cauliflower casserole featuring tender vegetables in a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy garlic breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 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. Heat a large pot of water to boil.
- Cook broccoli and cauliflower: Boil or steam broccoli and cauliflower for 5 minutes until semi-tender. Drain and place evenly in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and fragrant. Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook briefly until thickened. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix 1½ cups plain bread crumbs, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the 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 ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving until bubbly.
- If the cream sauce is too thick without chicken broth, add a bit more milk to reach desired consistency.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
