Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake

 

Here’s a recipe for a Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake, a creamy and cheesy dish perfect for any meal. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables with a rich, satisfying flavor that will appeal to everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

For the Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-Step Method:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or any similar-sized casserole dish.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

Wash and cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Steam or blanch the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes until they are just tender but still slightly crisp. Drain well and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Pour the Cheese Sauce:

Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish, ensuring all the vegetables are coated.

5. Add the Topping (Optional):

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bake for a crunchy topping.

6. Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.

7. Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or a comforting main meal.

Tips for Success:

• For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour for the roux and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping altogether.
• You can add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or even some cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
• For extra richness, swap the milk for half-and-half or add more cream cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying crunch of baked vegetables. It’s ideal as a side dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a comforting main dish with a fresh salad on the side.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy warmth of this dish!