This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Tender florets of broccoli and cauliflower are baked together in a rich homemade cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs for that perfect golden crunch. It’s a family-favorite side dish that complements any meal, from holiday feasts to cozy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole combines two powerhouse vegetables — broccoli and cauliflower — into a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. The velvety cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping make even picky eaters fall in love with their veggies. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, bakes beautifully, and fits right in at potlucks, Thanksgiving dinners, or as a satisfying weeknight side.

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

If you’ve ever searched for a side dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please a crowd, look no further than this Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It’s a classic baked comfort dish that transforms simple vegetables into something truly irresistible — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or planning a holiday spread, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between cozy and crowd-pleasing.

The magic begins with the veggies — crisp, fresh florets of broccoli and cauliflower lightly steamed to retain their color and bite. They’re the heart of the dish, adding both texture and nutrition. Next comes the homemade cheese sauce — a blend of butter, flour, and milk cooked into a silky roux, then infused with chicken broth and sharp cheddar cheese. The result? A rich, savory sauce that coats every floret in creamy perfection.

What really makes this casserole stand out is the finishing touch — a layer of buttery breadcrumbs baked to a golden crisp. Each bite delivers that satisfying contrast between the creamy interior and crunchy topping. It’s the kind of dish that draws everyone back for seconds.

This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole also happens to be versatile. You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth, or give it a protein boost by adding diced chicken or crumbled bacon. It pairs wonderfully with roast meats, grilled chicken, or even as a standalone meatless main dish.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any time you want a warm, comforting side, this casserole captures everything we love about home cooking — simple ingredients, baked together into something memorable. It’s cozy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy — exactly what comfort food should be.

So whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving something creamy and satisfying, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. One bite of this bubbling, golden casserole, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home.

Servings & Time

• Servings: 6–8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 bunches broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ¼ cup flour

• 14 ounces chicken broth

• ½ cup milk

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)

• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cauliflower florets, and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Create the Roux:
   Sprinkle the flour over the butter mixture and whisk for 1–2 minutes, forming a thick paste. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously until smooth.

5. Season and Add Cheese:
   Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful for topping. Mix until melted and smooth.

6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Place the cooked broccoli and cauliflower into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables and stir gently to combine.

7. Add the Topping:
   Mix the melted butter with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Add the reserved cheese if desired.

8. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

9. Serve:
   Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

• Add-Ins: For extra flavor, mix in crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms.

• Cheese Choices: Try mixing cheddar with mozzarella or Gruyère for an even creamier texture.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.