Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this irresistible Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake, blending creamy textures with wholesome vegetables. Rich cheese sauce and golden-brown edges make this dish a delightful solution for veggie-hesitant diners and health-conscious eaters alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 0.5 pound cauliflower florets
Protein and Dairy:
- 0.5 pound smoked sausage (Polish or Andouille), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cut broccoli and cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream, eggs, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the cream mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Gently fold the broccoli and cauliflower florets into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
- Transfer the vegetable and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to promote uniform cooking.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs on top to create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Prep Broccoli and Cauliflower Evenly: Chop vegetables into similar-sized florets to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella for a rich, complex flavor profile that melts smoothly and creates a creamy consistency.
- Prevent Watery Outcome: Pat vegetables dry after washing to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy top and prevents the bake from becoming soggy.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains a delightful crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg