If you’re craving comfort food that feels as cozy as a warm hug, you absolutely need to try this Broccoli-Cauliflower Cheese Casserole Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of tender steamed broccoli and cauliflower, smothered in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture—from the slight crunch of the veggies to the rich melted Monterey Jack cheese that ties it all together. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple, everyday ingredients that meld perfectly to create an impressive casserole. From fresh vegetables to creamy dairy and a hint of seasoning, each element plays an important role in bringing this recipe to life.
- Broccoli: Choose a firm, vibrant head for the best texture and color in the casserole.
- Cauliflower: Adds a delicate sweetness and balances the broccoli’s earthiness.
- Butter: Used both for sautéing and topping, it enhances richness and crunch.
- Onion: Diced finely, it mellows beautifully when sautéed, adding subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick that elevates the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a silky base for the creamy cheese sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light while adding depth.
- Cream cheese: Brings luscious creaminess that melts into every bite.
- Seasonings (salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, paprika): Layered to provide balance with a hint of warmth and color.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: Mixed with melted butter for a crunchy, savory topping.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Grated fresh for melting perfectly over the casserole.
How to Make Broccoli-Cauliflower Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by breaking the broccoli and cauliflower into small, manageable florets. Trim off the thick stalks to avoid unwanted toughness. Steam them just enough—around 3 to 4 minutes—until the broccoli turns a bright green, signaling perfect tenderness. Be careful not to overcook as you want a slight bite to remain for textural contrast. Then, set them aside while you work on that luscious cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Next, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk continuously for 45 seconds to form a roux—it thickens the sauce and ensures it’s velvety smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth so you don’t get lumps, then simmer until the sauce thickens nicely. Lower the heat and fold in the cream cheese along with salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. Taste here, and don’t be shy about tweaking the seasoning to your preference.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
Mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl. This simple step is the secret to getting that irresistibly crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a casserole dish and start layering. Place half of your steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets on the bottom. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the veggies, then sprinkle half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese. Lightly dust with paprika for a pop of color. Repeat the process: the remaining vegetables, sauce, cheese, and finally, spread the buttery breadcrumb topping evenly on top. This layering technique ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop the casserole in and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese bubbles up with golden brown bubbly edges and the breadcrumb topping turns perfectly crunchy and golden. Serve this hot, straight from the oven, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Broccoli-Cauliflower Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish can brighten this rich, creamy casserole. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. A quick squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also cut through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty side but also holds its own as a main dish paired with protein. Roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or a simply pan-seared salmon all complement the creamy vegetables beautifully. For lighter fare, serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or warm dinner rolls for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve the casserole in individual ramekins to showcase beautiful golden tops. Alternatively, scoop generous portions into hollowed-out bell peppers or bread bowls for a creative presentation that guests will love. Leftovers also make fantastic fillings for savory crepes or wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days while retaining most of its creamy texture and flavors. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the cheese sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze this Broccoli-Cauliflower Cheese Casserole Recipe for up to 2 months. For best results, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, then freeze in an airtight container. Add the breadcrumbs fresh before baking after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake covered with foil until hot, then uncover to crisp the topping for a few more minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before steaming lightly. Frozen veggies work well, though fresh will give a slightly better texture and color.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a perfect vegetarian version without compromising flavor.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Sure! Cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses will work wonderfully in this recipe.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mild with just a gentle smoky warmth from the paprika. You can adjust the seasoning or add a dash of cayenne if you prefer a kick.
What can I do to make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs or adding a little grated Parmesan cheese to the topping mixture can enhance crispiness and flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli-Cauliflower Cheese Casserole Recipe is truly a comfort food treasure, combining wholesome vegetables with cheesy goodness that comforts and delights. It’s easy to prepare yet feels special enough for family dinners or gatherings. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished classic in your recipe collection. I promise you’ll come back to it again and again!
Print
Broccoli-Cauliflower Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining tender steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets with a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with buttery seasoned breadcrumbs and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or vegetarian main, it delivers a satisfying balance of fresh vegetables and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large head broccoli
- 1 head cauliflower
Sauce
- 6 Tbsp. butter, divided (5 Tbsp. for sauce, 1 Tbsp. melted for breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp. paprika, plus more for sprinkling
Topping
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Break the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets, removing thick stalks. Steam the florets for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli turns bright green, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk continuously, cooking for 45 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then cook until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in room temperature cream cheese, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep the sauce warm.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a small casserole dish, layer half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce and dust lightly with paprika. Repeat layering with the remaining vegetables, cheese sauce, and cheese. Finish by sprinkling the buttered breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Steaming the vegetables briefly helps retain their texture and color without overcooking.
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- You can substitute seasoned breadcrumbs with panko for extra crunch.
- For a vegetarian variation, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
