Pioneer Woman Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with a rich, homemade sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect hearty side dish for a family dinner, ready in about 1 hour.

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Pioneer Woman Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli
• 1 head cauliflower
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese

How To Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole

1. Prep Oven and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Break the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-size florets. Steam them for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the broccoli turns bright green and the vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk to combine, cooking for about 45 seconds.
3. Finish the Cream Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low, then add the room-temperature cream cheese, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika. Stir until the sauce is completely smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a small casserole dish, create the layers. Start with half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower, pour half of the cream sauce over the top, and then sprinkle with half of the grated cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining vegetables, sauce, and cheese.
5. Make the Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the best texture? Steam the broccoli and cauliflower only until they are crisp-tender and bright green. This ensures they don’t become mushy after being baked in the casserole.
• How do I get a smooth sauce? Using room temperature cream cheese is key. It will melt smoothly and easily into the warm sauce without creating lumps.
• Why taste the sauce before assembling? The vegetables and cheese will add their own flavor, but tasting and adjusting the seasoning of the sauce itself is your best chance to ensure the final dish is perfectly seasoned.
• What if the topping browns too quickly? If you notice the breadcrumbs are getting too dark before the casserole is hot and bubbly, you can loosely cover the dish with a piece of aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

What To Serve With Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole

This rich and cheesy side dish is a classic comfort food that pairs well with many main courses.

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Baked ham or pork chops
• A simple pot roast or meatloaf

How To Store Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 90 kcal (Note: This provided calorie count seems very low for the ingredients listed. A more realistic estimate is likely between 350-400 kcal per serving).
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Beef Broccoli Recipe