This Cheesy Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin is a delightful vegetable bake that combines roasted cauliflower and broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday comfort food lineup, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving recipes or family side dishes.
This dish is not only a great low-carb side dish but also a healthy casserole option that can be enjoyed as a vegetarian dinner. The combination of broccoli and cauliflower dishes creates a satisfying and flavorful experience for everyone at the table.
Overview of Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin
This delightful dish combines the best of both worlds: the nutritious benefits of broccoli and cauliflower, enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce.
The vibrant colors of the vegetables create an inviting presentation, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Whether served as a side for Thanksgiving or as a comforting vegetarian dinner, this gratin is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for the Gratin
To create this cheesy veggie bake, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients.
The main components include cauliflower florets and broccoli florets, which provide a nutritious base.
For the rich cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and butter are essential, while garlic and flour help to thicken the mixture.
Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the flavors, and a topping of breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese adds a delightful crunch.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to the right temperature, ensuring a perfect bake.
Next, prepare the vegetables by steaming or blanching the cauliflower and broccoli until they are just tender.
This step helps maintain their vibrant color and texture.
While the vegetables cool, you can focus on creating the creamy cheese sauce, which is the heart of this dish.
Baking the Gratin
Once the cheese sauce is ready, combine it with the steamed vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Ensure that each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to allow for even cooking.
Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping generously over the top before placing it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the gratin cool slightly to set before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making it a versatile addition to your holiday comfort food lineup.
Whether enjoyed as a low-carb side dish or a healthy casserole, this Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin is sure to become a family favorite.
Final Touches
For an extra touch of flavor, consider garnishing the gratin with fresh herbs before serving.
The combination of textures and flavors in this dish creates a satisfying experience that everyone will enjoy.
With its creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping, this oven-baked casserole is a delightful way to showcase broccoli and cauliflower dishes.
Delicious Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin
This gratin features tender cauliflower and broccoli florets enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: Steam or blanch the cauliflower and broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed vegetables with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the vegetable mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cheesy veggie bake as a delicious side dish.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g