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Cheesy Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole with Crunchy Topping

A spoonful of creamy broccoli cauliflower casserole with a golden, crunchy topping being lifted from the dish.

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Make this easy, cheesy broccoli cauliflower casserole for a comforting side dish or main course. It features tender vegetables smothered in a rich cheese sauce and topped with buttery breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 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 cooking. Drain well.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Add the cream cheese cubes and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Fold the blanched broccoli and cauliflower into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  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 option, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter.
  • Do not overcook the vegetables during the blanching step; they should remain slightly crisp.
  • You can use a homemade cheese sauce or a can of condensed cream of chicken soup if you prefer a shortcut, but this recipe uses a homemade roux for better flavor.

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