Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Bake 🥦🧀

A creamy, cheesy vegetable casserole with tender broccoli and cauliflower covered in a rich cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. A perfect low-carb side dish for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8

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Ingredients

Vegetables

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  (or 1 tablespoon cream cheese + 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for low-carb)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping (Optional)

• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Steam or boil broccoli and cauliflower for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Drain very well and set aside.

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2. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
4. Cook until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
7. Stir until melted and creamy.

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3. Assemble the Bake

1. Place broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish.
2. Pour cheese sauce over the vegetables.
3. Gently mix until coated.
4. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Add the optional crunchy topping.

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4. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden.
• Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning (optional).
• Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Variations

🥓 Bacon Cheese Bake

Add:

• 1 cup cooked crispy bacon pieces

🍗 Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Bake

Add:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

🌶️ Spicy Version

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Pepper jack cheese
• Red pepper flakes

🥑 Keto Version

• Skip flour and breadcrumbs.
• Use heavy cream, cream cheese, and extra cheese for a low-carb sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

Perfect with:

• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Pork chops
• Roast turkey
• Baked salmon
• Meatloaf

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Sodium: 520 mg

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Tips for the Best Cheese Bake

✅ Drain vegetables thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
✅ Roast the broccoli and cauliflower first for deeper flavor.
✅ Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
✅ Let the casserole rest briefly so the cheese sauce thickens.

This Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Bake is creamy, comforting, and packed with cheesy goodness—an easy way to turn simple vegetables into a crowd-pleasing dish. 🥦🧀✨