Mohamed Shili This comforting Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is prepared using broccoli, cauliflower, onion, garlic, and cream cheese. This delicious broccoli cauliflower casserole recipe makes a perfect side dish for dinner that takes about 50 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli, broken into small florets
- 1 head Cauliflower, broken into small florets
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (or cheddar, cheddar-jack, Parmesan)
- 1 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Seasoned Salt and Paprika to taste
- Butter for sautéing and melting over breadcrumbs
How To Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Prep the Veggies: Place the broccoli and cauliflower florets in a steamer basket. Steam for 3-4 minutes until they are bright and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Add 4 oz of room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and a dash of paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the Topping: Grate 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese). In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a casserole dish, start with a layer of half the steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the vegetables, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the sauce.
- Final Layers and Baking: Repeat the layers with the remaining vegetables, creamy sauce, and grated cheese. Finish by sprinkling the buttered breadcrumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Make sure to use fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best flavor and texture in your casserole. Frozen veggies can make the dish too watery.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Shredding cheese from a block melts better and creates a creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with some grated Parmesan for an extra crunchy and flavorful topping that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Season Thoroughly: Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s well-seasoned. This helps avoid a bland casserole once it’s baked.
What To Serve With Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Serve your delicious broccoli cauliflower casserole with garlic lemon roasted chicken, herb quinoa salad, honey-glazed carrots, tangy coleslaw, and cranberry walnut green beans.
You can also pair it with spicy grilled shrimp, and balsamic-glazed portobello mushrooms for a complete meal.
How To Store Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
To Refrigerate: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving again.
To Freeze: To freeze, transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How To Reheat Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Or reheat uncovered for a slightly crispy top.
In The Microwave: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or reheat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through. Or reheat until the edges are crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. However, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the casserole. This will help maintain the desired texture.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
To prevent the casserole from becoming too watery, make sure to steam the broccoli and cauliflower until just tender. Additionally, sautéing the onions and garlic helps evaporate excess moisture, ensuring a thicker, creamier sauce.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Description
This comforting Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is prepared using broccoli, cauliflower, onion, garlic, and cream cheese. This delicious broccoli cauliflower casserole recipe makes a perfect side dish for dinner that takes about 50 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Prep the Veggies: Place the broccoli and cauliflower florets in a steamer basket. Steam for 3-4 minutes until they are bright and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Add 4 oz of room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and a dash of paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the Topping: Grate 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese). In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a casserole dish, start with a layer of half the steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the vegetables, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the sauce.
- Final Layers and Baking: Repeat the layers with the remaining vegetables, creamy sauce, and grated cheese. Finish by sprinkling the buttered breadcrumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
