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5 Amazing Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Secrets

broccoli cauliflower casserole
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You will love this Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. We skip the condensed soup and build a rich, homemade cheese sauce from scratch. Top it with crunchy breadcrumbs for the perfect texture contrast. It is a satisfying side dish, perfect for holidays, or an easy main course any night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into 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
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Steam or blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets until they are tender-crisp. Drain them well and set aside.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter.
  4. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, creating a roux. Do not let it brown.
  5. Slowly whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and smoked paprika.
  7. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Gently fold the cooked vegetables into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  10. If using the topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Tariq suggests blanching the vegetables briefly to maintain their bright color and texture.
  • Amara recommends using freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce; pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
  • Leo likes adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a slight kick.
  • For a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumb topping entirely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/broccoli-cauliflower-casserole-recipe/