Craving a comforting and flavorful side dish that will please even the pickiest eaters? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole. This recipe transforms simple vegetables into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy broccoli and cauliflower!
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather these readily available ingredients to create this delectable casserole:
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
- 1 head of broccoli, broken into small florets
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to bake your own Pioneer Woman Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you are ready to bake the casserole, allowing for even cooking and a golden-brown topping.
Step 2: Steam the Vegetables
Prepare the broccoli and cauliflower by breaking them into small, bite-sized florets. Using a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water, steam the florets until they are slightly tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Steaming them briefly helps to retain some texture and prevents them from becoming mushy in the casserole. Set the steamed vegetables aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Create Roux
In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of the casserole.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously to incorporate the flour into the butter and aromatics, creating a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps to thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet with the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken to your desired consistency, about 3 minutes. A smooth, creamy sauce is key to a great casserole.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the sauce and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy texture. Stir in the seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to season the sauce. Turn off the heat and set the creamy cheese sauce aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Use a fork to blend the butter and breadcrumbs together until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. This buttery breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the finished casserole.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly butter a 2-quart casserole dish. Arrange half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce, and then dust with a little paprika for color and flavor.
Repeat the layers with the remaining broccoli and cauliflower mixture, cheese sauce, and cheddar cheese. Finally, sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The bubbling indicates that the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Remove the Pioneer Woman Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve it piping hot as a side dish to your favorite main courses. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or beef.
Tips and Variations
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time! You can assemble it and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan would all be delicious additions or substitutions for cheddar cheese.
- Vegetable Medley: Add other vegetables to the mix. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked ham or bacon can be incorporated for added flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Pioneer Woman Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole is a versatile side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Serve it alongside:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Grilled steak or pork chops
- Baked ham
- Meatloaf
- As a vegetarian main course with a side salad
Enjoy this classic and comforting Pioneer Woman Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
