This Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is the perfect side dish for any family meal. It’s packed with tender vegetables, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This comforting casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step to Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole Perfection
Let’s walk through each step to create this delicious broccoli and cauliflower casserole.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready at the start ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your casserole is assembled and ready to bake, leading to even cooking and a beautifully golden top.
Step 2: Prep the Broccoli and Cauliflower
Break down the cauliflower and broccoli heads into small, bite-sized florets. For the best texture, aim for very small florets. Steaming is key here: place the florets in a steamer basket over simmering water and steam for just 3 to 4 minutes, until they are slightly tender-crisp. This pre-cooking step ensures they aren’t too crunchy in the final casserole but still retain some texture. Set the steamed vegetables aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Create the Sauce Base
In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously to incorporate the flour, cooking it for about a minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken – this should take approximately 3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the signature cheesy richness of the casserole comes from. Next, stir in the seasoned salt, kosher salt, pepper, and paprika. These seasonings perfectly enhance the flavors of the vegetables and cheese sauce. Turn off the heat and set the delicious cheese sauce aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Buttery Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Use a fork to blend them together until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. This buttery breadcrumb mixture will create a delightful golden, crunchy topping for the casserole.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Butter a 2-quart casserole dish. Begin the layering process by adding half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower mixture to the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sauce layer and then lightly dust with paprika for a touch of color and subtle spice.
Repeat the layers: add the remaining broccoli-cauliflower mixture, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce, the remaining shredded cheese, and another sprinkle of paprika. Finally, generously top the entire casserole with the buttery breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer for maximum crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection
Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the breadcrumbs are beautifully golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s heated through and wonderfully melted.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve this Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole nice and piping hot as a comforting side dish with your favorite main courses.
Make-Ahead Tip for Easy Meal Prep
This casserole is incredibly convenient for meal planning! You can assemble it completely, up to the point of baking, and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If baking straight from the fridge, simply add about 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through properly. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
