Description
This Broccoli Cauliflower Bake, also known as Vegetable au Gratin, is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets smothered in a rich homemade cheese sauce. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is perfect as a side or a vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 to 4.5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head or ¾ lb)
- 4 to 4.5 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ large head or ¾ lb)
Sauce
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, divided (5 tbsp)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 6 oz shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, cheddar—your pick!)
Topping
- 2–3 tbsp unseasoned panko bread crumbs
- Optional: chopped chives or green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Steam Vegetables: Lightly steam the broccoli and cauliflower florets until just tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheese mixture until it melts completely into the sauce for a rich, creamy base.
- Assemble Bake: In a baking dish, layer the steamed broccoli and cauliflower evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and mix it with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before garnishing with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Steaming the vegetables until just tender ensures they hold their shape and texture after baking.
- The cheese blend can be customized to your preference or what you have on hand.
- Using whole milk makes for a creamier sauce but you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Make sure to whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set up, making it easier to portion.
