Get ready for a delectable side dish that’s not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a treat for your senses. Our Creamy Veggie Delight Casserole combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli and cauliflower with a luscious cream sauce that’ll leave you craving for more. And the best part? It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. So, let’s dive into the magic of this mouthwatering creation!
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 6 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1/3 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Begin by breaking the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets, discarding the thick stalks. Steam them for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns a vibrant green. Remove them from the heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture, whisking to combine. Allow it to cook for an additional 45 seconds.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking, ensuring it’s bursting with flavor. Keep the sauce warm.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and the melted butter. Set this breadcrumb mixture aside.
- Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Begin by layering half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower in a small casserole dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the veggies, followed by half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle a dash of paprika on top of the cheese for that extra burst of flavor. Then, repeat the layers with the remaining broccoli, sauce, and cheese.
- Finish off your masterpiece with a generous sprinkle of the prepared breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake the casserole in a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit (190-degree Celsius) oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling, and the breadcrumbs turn a tempting golden brown.
- Serve your Creamy Veggie Delight Casserole piping hot, and watch as it disappears from the table in no time.
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying goodness of this casserole that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a regular weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to be a hit. Enjoy!
image source : thepioneerwoman
