Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake

Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake combines roasted broccoli and cauliflower in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce sprinkled with a super easy crumb topping.  This delectable casserole comes together quickly, easily and contains no canned soup.

I decided yesterday that I had my temporary fill of summer recipes like pasta salads and fruit salads so I decided to cook a nonseasonal recipe.  You remember those don’t you?  The ones that can be cooked and loved anytime of the year! This Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake is as fabulous whether it is hot steamy and sticky outside or whether there are twelve inches of snow on the ground. Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake combines roasted broccoli and cauliflower in a heavenly creamy cheddar cheese sauce.  It is lightly sprinkled with a super easy crumb topping and baked to golden perfection.

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How to make Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake.

First and foremost you are going to roast your broccoli and cauliflower in the oven until it is very lightly browned. Place the broccoli and cauliflower in a casserole dish sprayed with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.

Meanwhile cook the onion and garlic in a little butter.  Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes whisking constantly.  Slowly add the milk and chicken broth alternating between the two and whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and whisk in cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.  Add nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the cheese mixture over the roasted broccoli and cauliflower.

Using a food processor or a sealed bag crush the ritz crackers with the oregano and onion powder.  Then drizzle in the butter and shake to coat. Finally sprinkle the mixture over the broccoli and cauliflower and bake.

How to easily cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets.

Wash them both as a full head under cool running water. This allows you to grab a hold of the large stem end and shake almost all of the water out. Then using a cutting board simply take a sharp knife and cut the florets off the main stem.  They cut very easily and sometimes even seem to fall off so much pressure on the knife is not needed.  Cut the larger florets into halves or quarters to make them bite size.

Helpful hints on making Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake.

1. After washing and cutting your broccoli and cauliflower florets dry them well because you want them to roast not steam.
2. Preheat the oven and if at all possible load the casserole onto the middle rack of the oven.
3. Use good quality cheddar cheese.  It really does make a difference.
4. If Ritz crackers are not your thing substitute fresh ground croutons or bread crumbs.
5. For added flavor reserve a little bit of cheddar and sprinkle it on top of the crushed crackers.
6. Other great cheeses for this dish are Gouda, Gruyere and Monterey Jack. Feel free to mix them up and have fun.

Health benefits to broccoli and cauliflower.

Broccoli and cauliflower are both low in calories and high in fiber and protein, helping you feel satisfied after eating them. Both contain beneficial folate, that helps your body form red blood cells and manganese, that helps support strong bones.  They both contain glycosinolates, a combination of nutrients that has shown to reduce cancer risk.  Both contain a healthy amount of vitamin C which helps convert fat into fuel.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake is so amazing, easy to prepare, dependable and loved by multiple generations. Put this great recipe on this weeks list to try. You will be so pleased and happy that you did. Every delicious bite is a sweet creamy taste experience.  I made this dish many times and it goes like hot cakes.  Speaking of hot cakes have you tried my Buttermilk Bacon Pancakes?  Oh my goodness! Sorry got a little side tracked there.  Food runs through my mind constantly!!

Other vegetable recipes you will love!

• Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions
• Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
• Roasted Root Vegetable
• Bourbon Glazed Carrots

This post was originally publish June 20, 2017 and was republished November 8, 2018 with new content.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake

Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake combines roasted broccoli and cauliflower in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce sprinkled with a super easy crumb topping.

• Author: Small Town Woman
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 50
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8
• Category: vegetable Casserole
• Method: stove top and baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 large cloves of garlic minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 1/4 cups shredded white cheddar
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste

Crumb Topping

• 20 Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray large baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Add broccoli and cauliflower and bake 15 or until very lightly browned.
2. In large skillet over medium heat melt butter. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 90 seconds whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth alternating between the two. Turn heat to low and add cheddar whisking frequently until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Whisk in nutmeg and salt & pepper to taste. Pour over roasted broccoli and cauliflower.
3. In food processor crush crackers. Add oregano, onion powder and melted butter. Pulse a couple of times. Sprinkle over cheese sauce.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until light golden brown.

Keywords: broccoli bake, cauliflower bake, broccoli and cauliflower casserole, vegetable casserole, broccoli and cauliflower au gratin, vegetable