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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A close-up serving of creamy broccoli cauliflower casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.

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This ultimate broccoli cauliflower casserole delivers creamy, cheesy comfort food using a homemade cheese sauce. It is a simple, family-friendly vegetable side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. 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 and set aside.
  3. Prepare the homemade cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese, stirring until both are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Gently fold the blanched broccoli and cauliflower into the cheese sauce until the vegetables are fully coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. If using the topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a low-carb or Keto broccoli cauliflower bake, substitute the panko breadcrumb topping with 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
  • You can steam the vegetables instead of blanching them if you prefer a softer texture.
  • This is a great make ahead casserole side dish; assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

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