Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake, a comforting vegetarian dish that's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Tender broccoli and cauliflower florets are mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, elevated by zesty green onions and a hint of Dijon mustard. Topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, this gratin is a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables while satisfying any cheesy cravings. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it's sure to be a hit wherever you serve it.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli florets
1 lb (cut into florets)
fresh cauliflower florets
1 lb (cut into florets)
low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup (none)
green onions
6 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
seasoned dry breadcrumbs
1/4-1/2 cup (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by steaming the broccoli and cauliflower florets for 6-8 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Make sure to drain them well and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish that can hold at least 4 quarts.
3
Carefully arrange the steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the low-fat mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and smooth.
5
Pour the cheese mixture over the arranged florets in the baking dish, ensuring an even coating.
6
In a small bowl, toss together the seasoned dry breadcrumbs and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the cheese sauce.
7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake?
It is a comforting vegetarian dish featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower florets mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is a vegetarian-friendly gratin.
What are the primary vegetables used?
The main vegetables are one pound of fresh broccoli florets and one pound of fresh cauliflower florets.
How long should I steam the broccoli and cauliflower?
Steam the florets for 6-8 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for this recipe.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use a large baking dish that can hold at least 4 quarts.
What cheeses are included in the sauce?
The recipe uses one cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese and one cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
What serves as the base for the creamy sauce?
The creamy texture is provided by one cup of low-fat mayonnaise.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How many green onions are required?
You will need six chopped green onions.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, it includes two minced garlic cloves.
What seasonings are added to the cheese mixture?
The mixture includes salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
How do I prepare the topping?
Toss seasoned dry breadcrumbs with paprika in a small bowl before sprinkling over the cheese sauce.
How many ingredients are in the Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking dish before adding the vegetables.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is steaming the broccoli and cauliflower florets for 6-8 minutes.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a hint of heat from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What should the texture of the steamed vegetables be?
They should be crisp-tender and bright green.
How do I ensure an even coating of the sauce?
Pour the cheese mixture over the arranged florets in the baking dish to ensure they are evenly covered.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of seasoned dry breadcrumbs.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is perfect as either a side dish or a main course.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is ready when the breadcrumb top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
What gives the crust its golden color?
A combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika creates the golden crust.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Do I need to drain the vegetables after steaming?
Yes, make sure to drain the broccoli and cauliflower well before putting them in the baking dish.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include broccoli, cauliflower, gratin, casserole, cheesy, vegetarian, baked, and comfort food.
Is the mayonnaise low-fat?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using low-fat mayonnaise.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for two cloves of minced garlic.
What is the preparation for the broccoli and cauliflower?
Both should be fresh and cut into florets before steaming.