Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole
This Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and downright indulgent dish that turns humble vegetables into a decadent comfort food. The combination of tender cauliflower and broccoli, smothered in a rich cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection, makes it a favorite for family dinners, low-carb meals, or even holiday spreads. It’s filling, flavorful, and keto-friendly, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty casserole without the carbs.
The key to this casserole is balancing creamy sauce, savory cheese, and perfectly roasted vegetables. With a few simple tricks, you can elevate this dish into a crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love. The casserole is versatile enough to be served as a side or even as a main dish for a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, crushed pork rinds, chopped green onions, or paprika
Substitutions
- Vegetables: Use zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or a mix of cauliflower and broccoli for variety.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
- Butter/Oil: Ghee or olive oil can replace butter for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. - Cook the Vegetables
Steam or boil cauliflower and broccoli florets until tender but still firm, about 5–7 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water. - Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. - Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked cauliflower, broccoli, and sautéed onions and garlic to the sauce. Stir in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to coat evenly. - Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining cheeses and optional toppings like crumbled bacon, crushed pork rinds, or paprika. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. - Serve Hot
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Cooking Tips
- Ensure vegetables are drained thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- Cut cauliflower and broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded for creamier results.
- Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a slight smoky heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled fish.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Use as a low-carb option for holiday dinners instead of potatoes or stuffing.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions. Avoid microwaving for too long to maintain creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly to prevent excess water.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low-carb, high-fat, and perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream, cashew cream, and vegan cheese alternatives.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add cheese topping just before baking.
Can I add other ingredients?
Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage can be mixed in for more flavor and texture.
A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Casserole
This Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole combines creamy cheese, tender vegetables, and optional savory toppings to create a dish that’s satisfying, comforting, and keto-friendly. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or meal prep, it’s a versatile casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Every bite is indulgent yet healthy, making it a delicious way to enjoy your veggies with no compromise on flavor.
Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 medium head broccoli cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: crumbled bacon crushed pork rinds, chopped green onions, or paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook Vegetables: Steam or boil cauliflower and broccoli until tender but firm (5–7 minutes). Drain well.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir cooked cauliflower, broccoli, and sautéed onions and garlic into the sauce. Mix in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Spread evenly and top with remaining cheeses and optional toppings.
- Bake: Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully.
- Serve Hot: Cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired
