why make this recipe
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is a delightful dish that beautifully merges vegetables with a touch of indulgence. This recipe elevates simple ingredients into a comforting meal that everyone will love. The addition of crispy bacon takes this casserole to new heights, adding a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the broccoli and cauliflower.
This casserole makes a fantastic side dish for gatherings or a comforting main course for family dinners. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to fit any occasion, making it a fantastic option for both casual meals and special celebrations.
equipment needed for Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need some kitchen essentials to easily prepare the dish. Here’s a simple list of equipment that will help you create a perfect cauliflower and broccoli casserole.
- 9-by-13-inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Large dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Paper towels
What You Need to Make Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
- 4 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 5 cups cauliflower florets
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups crushed butter crackers
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. ground mustard
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature, cubed
- 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese
How to Cook Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon Step by Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Next, prepare your baking dish by buttering a 9-by-13-inch pan. This step ensures that your casserole comes out easily after baking.
While the oven is heating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and let them cook for about 2 minutes. After that, add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until both vegetables are just crisp-tender. When done, drain the vegetables and set them aside to let them cool.
In the meantime, melt 2 tablespoons of the salted butter in a small bowl. Combine this melted butter with the crushed butter crackers and the paprika, mixing them together until well combined. Set this mixture aside as it will provide a delightful crunchy texture for your casserole topping.
Next, it’s time to cook the bacon. In a large dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat, turning occasionally until it’s crispy, which usually takes around 8 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain any excess grease. After chopping the bacon into small pieces, set it aside for now.
After draining the cooked bacon, pour out any remaining bacon fat from the pot, but don’t forget to reserve it for later use. Wipe out the pot to remove any residue, but return 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat back into the pot along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. At this point, whisk in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, the ground mustard, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. Then, gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while continuously whisking. Allow it to cook for about 3 minutes, or until it thickens nicely. After removing the pot from the heat, whisk in the cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add the grated cheddar cheese gradually, mixing until it is fully melted and incorporated.
Now it’s time to combine all the delicious ingredients. Gently stir in the cooked broccoli, cauliflower, and the chopped bacon into the cheese sauce until everything is well coated. Carefully transfer the mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the pan.
Take the prepared cracker crumb mixture and sprinkle it generously over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake it for about 20 minutes or until it becomes bubbly. After this initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time will help set the casserole and make it easier to cut and serve.
how to make Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Making Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is a simple process that yields fantastic results. Start by gathering your ingredients and prepping your workspace. This will allow you to work efficiently and enjoy the cooking experience.
The first step is to prepare your oven and the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter the bottom and sides of your 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This preparation will help prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and allow them to cook for about 2 minutes. After this, add the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the vegetables to be crisp and tender, so keep an eye on them. Drain the vegetables and set them aside to cool.
In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Combine this with crushed butter crackers and a pinch of paprika. Mix them thoroughly and set aside as this will be your crunchy topping.
Now, it’s time to cook the bacon. Take a large dutch oven and heat it over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and let them cook until they are nice and crispy, which usually takes around 8 minutes. After cooking, place the bacon on paper towels to drain. Chop the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Pour out the bacon fat from the pot but reserve 1 tablespoon of it for later use. Wipe the pot clean, then return the reserved bacon fat along with 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
Now, it’s time to add the seasonings. Whisk in a teaspoon of kosher salt, along with the ground mustard, grated lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking until smooth. Cook this mixture over a simmer until it thickens, about 3 minutes.
After thickening, remove the pot from heat. Whisk in the room temperature cream cheese until fully smooth. Next, add 2 cups of grated mild cheddar cheese and stir until everything is fully melted and creamy.
Combine the cooled cauliflower and broccoli with the cheese sauce and fold in the crispy bacon. Carefully transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Top it off with the crushed cracker mixture you prepared earlier.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Once time is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
After baking, let the casserole rest for 15 minutes to allow it to set. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
how to serve Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Serving your Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is as straightforward as its preparation. Once the casserole has rested after baking, slice it into squares or scoop it onto plates using a spatula.
You can serve it warm as a comforting side dish or as a satisfying main course. If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a smaller side salad for a lighter meal. It makes a wonderful contribution to potlucks or family gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a hearty helping of vegetables in a delicious way.
what to serve with Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Choosing the right sides to complement your Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon can enhance your meal significantly. This casserole is rich and savory, making it a great pairing with lighter dishes that balance its comfort food qualities.
Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This crisp and fresh side will contrast nicely with the creamy casserole. Another potluck favorite to serve could be roasted chicken breasts or steaks. The savory flavors from meats complement the creaminess of the casserole beautifully.
For a carb option, you might serve some warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. They can soak up any delicious cheese sauce, adding an extra layer of texture and taste to the meal.
how to store Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Storing leftover Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is easy and convenient. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the leftovers into an airtight container.
The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at a low temperature, around 350°F, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for quicker serving.
If you want to keep the casserole for a longer duration, you can also freeze it. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. To reheat frozen casserole, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking it in the oven until hot.
tips to make Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
To achieve the best results with your Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon, consider a few helpful tips. Use fresh, high-quality broccoli and cauliflower for the best flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables will provide a vibrant color and perfect crunch.
Make sure to season the creamy sauce to your taste, adjusting the salt and spice levels to suit your preferences. Don’t skip the resting time after baking, as this allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier serving.
If you enjoy a more pronounced cheese flavor, try mixing in additional types of cheese, like gouda or pepper jack, for a delicious twist. And if you love extra crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts or more crushed crackers to the topping.
variation (if any)
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are several variations you can try to suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness without the meat.
You can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots or bell peppers for an even more colorful dish. To elevate the flavors, toss in some cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier dish that serves well as a main course.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture to give it a kick.
best time to make Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is an excellent choice for any occasion. It’s especially popular during cooler months when hearty comfort food is in high demand. Fall and winter holidays also mark a great time to prepare this dish, as it pairs well with holiday meals.
However, it’s equally delicious for family dinners or potlucks throughout the year. This casserole is a wonderful way to add vegetables to your meal while keeping it tasty and comforting, making it welcome on any dinner table.
common mistakes to avoid
When making Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon, a few common mistakes can detract from your dish. First, be careful not to overcook the vegetables while blanching. They should be just crisp-tender before mixing them into the cheese sauce; overcooked vegetables can turn mushy.
Another pitfall to avoid is under-seasoning the cheese sauce. Ensure you taste it as you go along, adjusting the salt and spices accordingly. This step is crucial for enhancing flavors.
Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Allowing the casserole to sit helps it to set up, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
nutritional notes (optional)
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is not just delicious; it also offers nutritional benefits. Both broccoli and cauliflower are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. The addition of cheese provides calcium, while the bacon contributes protein.
Though this dish does contain some comforting fats from the butter and cream cheese, portion control is key for enjoying the casserole as part of a nurturing diet.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to add extra cooking time if you bake it directly from the fridge.
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli and cauliflower can be used. However, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Is there a low-carbohydrate version of this dish?
To keep the dish low-carb, replace the butter crackers with crushed pork rinds or omit the topping altogether. You can also reduce the amount of milk for a thicker sauce.
conclusion
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is a delicious dish that showcases the flavors of nutritious vegetables while adding a comforting twist. Its creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the crunch of bacon creates a delightful balance that will please everyone at the table.
From preparation to serving, this recipe is straightforward and adaptable, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. With the option to customize ingredients and flavors, this casserole can be enjoyed in many delicious variations. So, gather your ingredients and surprise your family with this warm and inviting casserole today!
