Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy vegetable dish packed with fresh cauliflower and broccoli florets, topped with crispy bacon and green onions for an irresistible twist on a classic casserole. Perfect for a comforting side or a hearty main, it's loaded with flavor and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Vegetables: Steam or boil the cauliflower and broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm; then drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked cauliflower and broccoli florets to the cheese mixture. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, mixing gently to coat all the vegetables.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing out the top evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped green onions and panko breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy topping; this step is optional but recommended for texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your loaded cauliflower and broccoli casserole warm as a delicious side or main dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- You can omit bacon for a vegetarian option, or substitute with smoked tempeh or mushrooms.
- To reduce fat, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and skim milk instead of whole milk.
- Steaming vegetables avoids excess moisture compared to boiling, keeping the casserole less watery.
- Adding extra cheddar cheese on top before baking will increase the cheesy crust.
