Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy vegetable bake featuring steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets combined with a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and Monterey Jack cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Steaming, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Vegetables
- 1 large head broccoli
- 1 head cauliflower
Sauce
- 6 tbsp butter, divided (5 tbsp and 1 tbsp melted)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp seasoned salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika, plus more for sprinkling
Topping
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese, plus more to taste
- Prepare the Vegetables: Break the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets, removing thick stalks. Steam them for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli turns bright green. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk to combine, cooking for 45 seconds. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low; add cream cheese, salt, ground black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika. Stir until smooth and flavorful. Keep warm.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets in a small casserole dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the vegetables. Sprinkle half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese on top. Add a light sprinkle of paprika. Repeat layers with the remaining broccoli and cauliflower, cream sauce, and cheese. Finish by sprinkling breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- To steam broccoli and cauliflower, place florets in a steaming basket over boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs can be replaced with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt if preferred.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, assembled, covered, and refrigerated; bake right before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking cold.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Use fresh, room-temperature cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: broccoli cauliflower casserole, creamy vegetable casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, holiday side dish, comforting vegetable bake