Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake
This Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake is a delightful, creamy side dish that transforms nutritious vegetables into a comforting and delicious masterpiece. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this gratin combines the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli and cauliflower with a rich blend of reduced-fat mayonnaise, low-fat cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer and a hint of spice, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also promotes healthy eating. Simple to prepare and sure to impress, this gratin is an excellent way to introduce more veggies into your meal rotation. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course for a lighter option!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli
8 ounces (cut into florets)
fresh cauliflower
8 ounces (cut into florets)
reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup
shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup
shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
green onions
3 (sliced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons
paprika
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a steamer basket, arrange the fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets over boiling water. Cover and steam for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
3
Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish and evenly distribute the steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets in the dish.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the reduced-fat mayonnaise, shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and ground red pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
5
Spoon the creamy mixture evenly over the arranged broccoli and cauliflower in the baking dish.
6
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and paprika, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cheese-covered vegetables.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake?
It is a delightful, creamy side dish that combines fresh broccoli and cauliflower with a rich blend of low-fat cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the broccoli and cauliflower need to be steamed?
The vegetables should be steamed for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 2-quart baking dish is required for this recipe.
What types of cheese are used in this bake?
The recipe calls for shredded low-fat cheddar cheese and shredded parmesan cheese.
How much broccoli is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of fresh broccoli cut into florets.
How much cauliflower is required?
You will need 8 ounces of fresh cauliflower cut into florets.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, the recipe uses reduced-fat mayonnaise, low-fat cheddar cheese, and nutritious vegetables.
What kind of mayonnaise should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of reduced-fat mayonnaise.
What spices are used in the cheese mixture?
The mixture includes minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
How many green onions are included?
Three sliced green onions are used in the mixture.
What constitutes the crunchy topping?
The topping is made from a combination of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and paprika.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake time is between 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is ready when the gratin is bubbly and the top has turned golden brown.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
What type of mustard is used in this recipe?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to flavor the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are required?
One garlic clove, minced, is needed.
How much ground red pepper is in the dish?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
What is the amount of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs used?
Two tablespoons of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are used for the topping.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
Should the vegetables be drained after steaming?
Yes, drain the vegetables well after steaming to remove any excess moisture.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish or as a lighter main course option.
How should the broccoli and cauliflower be cut?
Both the broccoli and cauliflower should be cut into florets.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the 2-quart baking dish before adding the vegetables.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do you prepare the creamy mixture?
Mix the mayonnaise, cheddar, parmesan, green onions, garlic, mustard, and red pepper until thoroughly blended.
Where do you apply the breadcrumb mixture?
The breadcrumb and paprika mixture is sprinkled over the top of the cheese-covered vegetables.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting masterpiece that satisfies the palate.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.