ADVERTISEMENT
#### **Optional Add-ins:**
– 1/2 cup of diced onion for added flavor
– 1/2 cup of mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables
– Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil
– A pinch of nutmeg or ground mustard for a hint of warmth
—
### **How to Make the Cauliflower and Broccoli Veggie Casserole**
Making this veggie casserole is incredibly simple and requires just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly baked.
#### **2. Cook the Cauliflower and Broccoli:**
In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the cauliflower and broccoli for about 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender. The vegetables should remain firm, not mushy. Drain them well and set them aside to cool. This step helps ensure that the vegetables will cook evenly and not become overcooked in the casserole.
#### **3. Prepare the Casserole Dish:**
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray. If you like, you can line the bottom of the dish with a handful of breadcrumbs to add some extra texture to the crust.
#### **4. Assemble the Casserole:**
Layer the cooked cauliflower and broccoli in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the cream (or your non-dairy substitute) evenly over the vegetables, ensuring that everything is coated.
#### **5. Add the Cheese and Breadcrumbs:**
Top the casserole with shredded cheese, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Then, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crunchy, golden crust as it bakes.
#### **6. Bake:**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If you like an extra-crispy top, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
#### **7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired, and enjoy this delicious, comforting veggie casserole!
—
### **Tips for Customizing Your Veggie Casserole**
– **Add More Vegetables**: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix. Sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini can all be great additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on how long it takes for each vegetable to cook.
– **Use Different Cheeses**: If you’re not a fan of Cheddar or mozzarella, experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyère, Gouda, or even a blue cheese for a more complex flavor.
– **Make it Spicy**: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, a chopped chili pepper, or some sriracha to the cream sauce for a spicy twist.
—
### **Conclusion**
This **Cauliflower and Broccoli Veggie Casserole** is an easy, nutritious, and delicious dish that you’ll find yourself making every weekend. With its vibrant, nutrient-rich ingredients and comforting texture, it’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family together around the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekend meal rotation. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
Give this recipe a try, and soon it will become a weekend tradition that you’ll eagerly anticipate each week. With cauliflower and broccoli as the star ingredients, it’s a great way to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals without the hassle. Happy cooking!
