🥦 I Make This Veggie Casserole Every Weekend!

A Delicious Recipe for Cauliflower with Broccoli

If you're looking for a hearty, nutritious dish that’s easy to whip up and even easier to love, this Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole is a must-try. It’s warm, cheesy, comforting, and packed with veggies — basically the ultimate weekend comfort food. And yes, I really do make this every weekend, because it's just that good.

Whether you're serving it as a main dish or a side, this casserole will win hearts and satisfy bellies. Let’s dive into how to make it, step by step.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Veggies:

  • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the creamy cheese sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth!)

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

  • 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

  • A pinch of salt and garlic powder

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish.

Step 2: Blanch the Vegetables

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Add cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender (they should still have some bite).

  3. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let them drain well.

📝 Tip: Don’t overcook — they’ll bake later and you don’t want mushy veggies.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

  2. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to make a roux (it should look like a thick paste).

  3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add cream (if using).

  4. Stir until the sauce thickens — about 3–5 minutes.

  5. Add mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  6. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan until melted and smooth.

🧀 It should be creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly cheesy!

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. In a large mixing bowl (or right in the casserole dish), toss the blanched cauliflower and broccoli with the chopped onion and minced garlic.

  2. Pour the cheese sauce over the veggies and mix to coat everything evenly.

  3. Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.

  4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil (or melted butter), a pinch of salt, and a dash of garlic powder.

  2. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake!

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

  • For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully!).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

Serve as a main with a side of salad or bread, or as a side dish to roast chicken, baked tofu, or grilled fish.

🌱 Optional Add-ins & Variations

  • Add cooked quinoa or rice to make it a complete one-dish meal.

  • Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.

  • Use a blend of cheeses — try Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack.

  • Make it spicy: add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

🧼 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: You can freeze it (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months.

  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly satisfying. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor — plus, it sneaks in two powerhouse veggies without sacrificing taste.

Whether you're serving this at a weekend family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.