Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole

This warm, cheesy casserole transforms humble florets into a comforting weeknight centerpiece that’s both cozy and bright. It’s simple to assemble and bakes into a bubbling blanket of golden cheddar and mozzarella that kids and adults reach for first. If you love bold vegetable sides, try pairing this dish with an air fryer buffalo cauliflower for contrast and crunch. The recipe is flexible so you can add cooked meat for extra protein or keep it vegetarian and hearty.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This casserole is a perfect weeknight solution because it delivers big flavor with little fuss. The prep is mostly chopping and a quick steam, so you spend more time enjoying your meal than making it. It works beautifully as a main for a light dinner or as a side for family gatherings, and the optional crumbled meat makes it a complete one-dish meal. Visual appeal is high bright green broccoli and pale cauliflower peek through a molten golden top that crisps slightly at the edges. For a cozy combo, serve alongside the rich, comforting notes of cheesy chicken broccoli orzo to round out a crowd-pleasing plate.

Flavor and Texture

The dish balances creamy, tangy, and savory elements: sour cream and mayonnaise add a silky tang, while cheddar brings sharpness and mozzarella delivers that irresistible stretch. Garlic, onion, paprika, and garlic powder create a warm seasoning backbone without overwhelming the vegetables. Steaming the florets until just tender preserves their snap and keeps the casserole from turning mushy. Baking melts the cheeses and thickens the sauce, creating pockets of gooey goodness alongside lightly roasted edges that offer a pleasant contrast in each bite. The optional green onions add a fresh pop and visual brightness right before serving.

Ingredients

– 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled meat (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Steam or blanch the cauliflower and broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the cauliflower and broccoli to the bowl and stir gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the cheese mixture.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. If desired, sprinkle cooked crumbled meat and chopped green onions on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Make sure not to overcook the florets during steaming; they should be fork-tender but still hold their shape so the casserole stays textured. Use freshly shredded cheeses when possible pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for tang and protein. Crunchy toppings like panko or toasted breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on in the last 5 minutes for a golden crust. Taste the cheese mixture before baking and adjust seasoning if you like it saltier or spicier.

Storage and Make Ahead

This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve texture, or microwave individual servings for convenience. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked; add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if chilled. For freezing, bake fully, cool completely, and freeze in portions for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thought

Loaded cauliflower broccoli casserole is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s colorful, comforting, and easy to adapt to what you have on hand. Keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation for an approachable dish that always looks as good as it tastes.

Conclusion

For a helpful reference and another take on this comforting casserole, check out this detailed version at Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole for inspiration and variations.

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