Cheesy Veggie Heaven: Broccoli Cauliflower Bake Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible broccoli cauliflower bake that blends creamy textures and rich flavors.

Tender florets nestle beneath a golden, crispy cheese topping that promises pure satisfaction.

Every forkful delivers a delightful combination of vegetables roasted to perfection.

The dish embraces simple ingredients while creating something extraordinary on your dinner plate.

Sharp cheddar and a hint of garlic add depth to this wholesome casserole.

Nutritious and hearty, this bake makes vegetables the star of a meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let each bite surprise you with its delicious simplicity.

Variation Tips to Change Up the Flavor

• Mix and Match Flavors
• Experiment with gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the dish's richness.
• Fold in diced cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon bits to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course with extra protein.
• Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the sauce for aromatic depth and bright, fresh undertones that complement the creamy base.
• Replace standard bread crumbs with panko, crushed crackers, or toasted almond slivers to introduce unexpected texture and nutty dimensions.

Presenting Broccoli-Cauliflower Bake at the Table

• Pair with Protein Partners: Add grilled chicken breast or baked salmon on the side to create a complete, balanced meal that fills you up.
• Complement with Comfort Sides: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Elevate with Fresh Touches: Sprinkle extra chopped chives or fresh parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note and pop of color.
• Create a Family-Style Feast: Present the baked dish right in the baking dish at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own generous portion for a cozy, communal dining experience.

Saving Portions of This Bake Easily

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the broccoli cauliflower bake fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, where the dish will maintain quality for up to 2 months when frozen before baking.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, storing covered in the refrigerator and adding bread crumbs just before placing in the oven for maximum crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 235 kcal

Servings: 7

Broccoli Cauliflower Bake: What You’ll Need

• Broccoli: Nutrient-packed green veggie that adds a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Cauliflower: Mild-tasting, versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a creamy texture.

• Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Milk: Creates a silky base for the cheese sauce, adding creaminess and depth.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a luxurious, gooey topping that brings irresistible savory goodness.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a perfect, smooth consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch without overwhelming the dish.
• Onion Powder: Introduces a subtle, sweet background flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt: Elevates and balances the other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Nutmeg: Adds a surprising, warm undertone that complements the creamy sauce.
• Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture.
• Chives (Optional): Provides a fresh, mild onion-like garnish that brightens the dish.

Tools to Assemble and Bake This Veggie Combo

• Steamer Basket: Perfect for gently cooking broccoli and cauliflower to tender-crisp perfection.
• Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce without burning.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending butter, flour, and milk into a silky sauce.
• 9 to 10-Inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking and serving this cheesy vegetable casserole.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for preparing vegetables and chopping chives.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets.

Instructions for Creamy Veggie Bake

• Veggie Prep Gathering tasty broccoli and cauliflower florets ready for a delicious transformation into a creamy comfort dish that will make everyone at the table smile.
• Steaming Magic Creating tender-crisp vegetables by gently steaming them until they're perfectly soft but still maintain their vibrant color and nutrients.
• Sauce Creation Crafting a luxurious white sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a silky smooth base that will coat the vegetables in pure deliciousness.
• Flavor Explosion Enhancing the sauce with a symphony of spices like garlic powder, nutmeg, and other seasonings that will elevate the entire dish to new taste heights.
• Cheese Lover's Dream Stirring in rich, melty cheese that transforms the simple vegetables into a decadent casserole everyone will crave.
• Baking Brilliance Spreading the vegetable mixture into a baking dish, topping with extra cheese and bread crumbs, then baking until golden and bubbling with irresistible aromas.
• Serving Sensation Pulling the gorgeous bake from the oven and garnishing with fresh chives for a final touch of elegance that makes this dish truly special.

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy broccoli cauliflower bake combines crisp vegetables with creamy textures for a comforting meal. Mediterranean herbs and golden breadcrumbs provide delightful layers of flavor you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 to 4.5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head or 0.75 lb)
• 4 to 4.5 cups cauliflower florets (about half a large head or 0.75 lb)
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 oz (about 1.5 cups) shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, and/or cheddar)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¾ tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 to 3 tbsps unseasoned panko bread crumbs
• Chopped chives or green onion, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) with rack centered for uniform cooking, ensuring optimal heat distribution.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Trim and slice broccoli and cauliflower into consistent bite-sized florets for even steaming and appealing presentation.
3. Steaming Process: Position steamer basket over boiling water, carefully arranging vegetables to steam for 6-8 minutes, maintaining crisp-tender texture and vibrant color.
4. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk in flour to create smooth roux, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste and develop rich flavor base.
5. Sauce Development: Gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously to create silky, thickened sauce, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg for complex flavor profile.
6. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat, fold in shredded cheese until completely smooth and fully incorporated, creating creamy, luxurious coating.
7. Vegetable Coating: Gently combine steamed vegetables with cheese sauce, ensuring thorough and even coverage of each floret.
8. Baking Preparation: Grease baking dish, transfer vegetable-sauce mixture, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheese and bread crumbs for crispy, golden crust.
9. Finishing Touch: Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and cheese turns golden brown, optional garnish with fresh chives for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Steam Timing Matters: Steam vegetables for exactly 6-8 minutes to maintain crisp-tender texture and prevent mushiness.
• Roux Building Technique: Whisk flour and butter thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth, lump-free sauce base.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Gradually fold cheese into sauce off heat to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, silky consistency.
• Crumb Topping Trick: Distribute bread crumbs and extra cheese evenly for a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior that adds textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 235
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 415 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg