Make this ultimate cheesy broccoli cauliflower casserole using a rich, homemade cheese sauce. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Author:Avery
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets in boiling water for 3 minutes. Immediately drain them and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
Prepare the homemade cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cream cheese cubes, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the sauce is fully creamy and uniform.
Gently fold the blanched broccoli and cauliflower into the cheese sauce until the vegetables are fully coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
If using the topping, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, omit the flour in the sauce and use 1/4 cup of heavy cream mixed with the milk. Replace the Panko topping with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with butter.
Do not overcook the vegetables during blanching; they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture after baking.
This recipe makes a fantastic Holiday Vegetable Casserole side dish.