Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Delight

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Delight is like a warm hug on a cold day. With a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender veggies, it's a comforting side dish or even a main if you’re feeling adventurous. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, where a bit of indulgence is always welcome.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Delight

Broccoli and cauliflower are the stars here, providing a satisfying base that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese sauce. The cheddar cheese gives a sharp, tangy flavor, while parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Cream cheese and heavy cream make the sauce irresistibly creamy. Butter and flour create a roux that thickens the sauce, while garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg enhance the overall flavor. Finally, breadcrumbs provide that satisfying crunchy top layer.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a quicker prep, use pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets from the store.
  • Mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter for an extra crispy topping.
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for the best texture.
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the dish.

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375Β°F. While that's heating up, steam your broccoli and cauliflower until they're just tender. You want them cooked through but still with a bit of bite, so they hold up well in the oven.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. This might sound fancy, but it’s just a French term for a butter-and-flour mixture that's a base for thickening sauces.

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Once smooth, add the cream cheese and stir until it's fully melted. This might take a bit of patience, but trust me, it's worth it for that creamy texture.

Now, sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. These spices add a lovely depth to the sauce without overpowering it.

Combine your steamed broccoli and cauliflower with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Pour this delicious mix into a greased casserole dish.

Top it all off with an even layer of breadcrumbs. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and a glorious golden brown.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy cheese sauce that clings to every bite.
  • Easy to make with common ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Uses two favorite veggies: broccoli and cauliflower, making it a sneaky way to add greens to your meal.
  • Perfectly golden, crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375Β°F.
2. Steam the broccoli and cauliflower until just tender.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
5. Add the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, stirring until the cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
6. Combine the broccoli and cauliflower with the cheese sauce and pour into a greased casserole dish.
7. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

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