Introduction:

This Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon is a filling and delicious dish that combines the goodness of vegetables, cheesiness and saltiness of cheese with the savory taste of bacon. The casserole can be served as a side dish or even as a main course and will become your family’s favourite.

 

Ingredients:

1 large head cauliflower broken into florets;

1 large head broccoli broken into florets;

2 cups grated cheddar cheese;

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup sour cream

4 pieces of bacon cooked until crisp then crumbled

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper: to taste

Freshly chopped chives (optional): for garnish.

 

 

 

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare Vegetables: Steam the broccoli and cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

At medium heat, melt butter in a big saucepan. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.

Sprinkle in flour; whisk continuously for 2 minutes until a roux is formed.

Gradually pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming; cook until thickened, approximately 3-5 minutes

The heat should be reduced and then you stir into the pot; adding sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese in it. Continue stirring till the cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.

Add salt to taste. Cook until the mixture is bubbly brown and seasoning with pepper.

Blending And Cooking:

In a large mixing bowl, mix together broccoli and cauliflower that have been steamed and are well coated with cheese sauce. Mix them until they are fully covered by the vegetables.

Put this mixture into a greased 9×13” baking dish. Sprinkle bacon over top of it.

Finally put in a preheated oven at 20-25 minutes which ensure that the upper part has turned golden brown.

Presentation And Serving: Take out of oven as soon as done let cool for sometime. This can be decorated with sliced spring onions if desired then serve hot.

 

 

Hints for Success:

Ensure that the vegetables are only steamed through so that they can cook further when baked in an oven.

To get a smoother cheese sauce, keep on whisking while pouring the cream as well as cheese content constantly into the pan.

For easy cleaning up, bake bacon on lined parchment paper on top of baking sheets in oven

 

 

Health Benefits:

Cauliflower and Broccoli: Rich in fibre vitamin C & K, antioxidants vitamins, essential nutrients

Cheese: Good amounts of calcium protein

Bacon: Delivers taste but avoid excessive intake due to high fat content

 

 

Nutritional Information: (Per serving)

Calories: 320

Protein: 15g

Carbohydrates: 10g

Fat: 25g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 560mg

 

 

Variations & Substitutions:

Vegetables – Carrots, peas and spinach can be added instead of the aforementioned vegetables or they can be substituted.

Cheese – Other flavors are available by using different types of cheese like gouda, parmesan or gruyere.

Bacon – However, you can substitute bacon with bacon made from vegetables or exclude it entirely for a vegetarian recipe.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. Can I prepare this food earlier? A. Sure, you can get the casserole ready before baking then put it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Q. Can I freeze this casserole? A. The texture of the vegetables may change when frozen; its best fresh.

Q. How do I store leftovers? A. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and heat up in either an oven or microwave till warm.

 

 

Conclusion:

“The Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon” is truly one dish whose textures as well as flavors can combine to offset your cravings for comfort food perfectly. This is a recipe that will keep you coming back because of its creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping made out of bacon strips over again only wanting more servings