Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower in a rich sauce topped with a crunchy garlic bread crumb topping. Perfect for family dinners, it bakes to golden perfection with a blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses enhancing the flavors with fresh thyme and garlic.
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 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 the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you prepare the broccoli and cauliflower by washing and cutting them into 1-inch pieces.
- Cook Vegetables: Boil or steam the broccoli and cauliflower in the pot of water for 4-5 minutes until they are semi-tender. Drain the vegetables well and place them in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until they are tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture thickens. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Combine and Add Cheese: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the broccoli and cauliflower in the baking pan. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese on top.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the plain bread crumbs with garlic powder and the melted butter. Spread this crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole at 350° Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are fully tender. Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead of time; simply bake it before serving until bubbly in the center.
- If the cream sauce feels too thick without chicken broth, add a little more milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Make sure to drain the vegetables well after boiling to avoid a watery casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
