Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (Perfect Holiday Side Dish)

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Made with tender broccoli, cauliflower florets, a rich cheese sauce, and a golden topping, this casserole brings together the best of both vegetables in one satisfying bite. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and a great way to sneak extra veggies into your meals without sacrificing flavor.

What Is Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole?

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a baked dish made with fresh or frozen broccoli and cauliflower mixed in a creamy cheese sauce, then topped with melted cheese or crunchy breadcrumbs. The vegetables bake until tender and covered in a luscious, cheesy coating. This comforting casserole can serve as a hearty side dish or even a meatless main course.

Other Popular Broccoli Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• Southern Broccoli Casserole
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Reasons to Try Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Perfect Balance of Flavors – Combines cheesy richness with fresh vegetable goodness.
• Simple and Quick – Made with basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep.
• Kid-Friendly – The creamy sauce and cheese make veggies irresistible.
• Versatile – Works as a side or vegetarian main dish.
• Make-Ahead Option – Prepare it in advance and bake before serving.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holidays.

Ingredients Needed to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed until tender)
• 2 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen, steamed until tender)
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor depth)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions to Prepare Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Preheat the oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the vegetables – Steam or microwave broccoli and cauliflower until tender-crisp, then drain well to remove excess water.
• Prepare the sauce – In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
• Combine everything – Add the cooked broccoli and cauliflower to the sauce mixture and toss until well coated.
• Assemble the casserole – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Add the topping – Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Add a little extra cheese on top for a golden finish.
• Bake until bubbly – Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
• Rest before serving – Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect consistency.

What Goes Well With Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Grilled Chicken – Adds lean protein to make it a complete meal.
• Roast Beef – Pairs beautifully with the creamy vegetable base.
• Baked Salmon – Offers a light, healthy complement.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite.
• Garden Salad – Brings freshness and balance to the rich flavors.

Key Tips for Making Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Drain veggies well – Prevents extra moisture from making the casserole watery.
• Use fresh cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly than pre-packaged.
• Don’t overcook vegetables – Steam until just tender so they stay firm after baking.
• Add extra creaminess – Mix in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Spice it up – Add paprika, cayenne, or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
• Cover if needed – If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil.
• Let it rest – Allows the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Creative Variations of Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Cheesy Chicken Version – Add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Low-Carb Keto Style – Skip breadcrumbs and top with crushed pork rinds.
• Bacon Lover’s Twist – Mix in crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
• Vegan Option – Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and dairy-free cream soup.
• Spicy Bake – Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Gluten-Free Version – Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free crackers or oats.

Storage Guidelines for Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze cooled casserole in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid sogginess – Reheat uncovered for a crisp topping.
• Label before freezing – Always note the date for freshness tracking.

Reheating Tips for Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

• Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until hot.
• Microwave Method – Warm individual servings for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop Method – Heat gently over low flame with a splash of milk for a creamy texture.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Calcium: 220 mg

FAQs

Should I cook the broccoli and cauliflower before baking the casserole?

Yes, both broccoli and cauliflower should be lightly steamed or boiled before baking. This ensures they’re tender and evenly cooked without becoming mushy. Be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.

How do you keep broccoli cauliflower casserole from being watery?

To prevent a watery casserole, always drain the vegetables thoroughly after cooking. Use fresh or frozen veggies that aren’t over-steamed, and bake uncovered to let excess steam escape. A thicker sauce made with sour cream or condensed soup also helps maintain a creamy texture.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli and cauliflower work just as well. Thaw them completely and pat dry before mixing with the cheese sauce. This helps avoid excess water during baking and keeps the casserole creamy, not runny.

How can I make broccoli cauliflower casserole extra cheesy?

To make it more indulgent, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir half into the sauce and sprinkle the rest on top before baking. Adding a touch of cream cheese or heavy cream also makes the sauce richer and silkier.

Final Words

Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. With its rich flavor and tender texture, it’s a perfect side or standalone meal for any occasion.

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