Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that absolutely steals the show, look no further than this Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and studded with smoky bacon, it transforms two humble veggies into pure comfort food magic. Every bite is layered with flavor thanks to tangy sour cream, melty cheddar, and that irresistible crunchy topping. Whether you’re feeding a weeknight crew or impressing guests at your next potluck, this casserole will quickly become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish so special is how each ingredient elevates the others — from the vibrant vegetables to the decadent cheeses and bacon. Gather these essentials and you’re on your way to a casserole that’s both simple and spectacular.
- Cauliflower florets: The star of the show! Their mild flavor and tender bite hold up beautifully in a creamy bake.
- Broccoli florets: Adds color, freshness, and a touch of earthy sweetness to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that classic gooey, melty texture and salty punch.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich tang and creamy body to pull everything together.
- Sour cream: Brings a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the cheese.
- Milk: Helps create a luscious, pourable sauce to coat all the veggies.
- Garlic powder: Savory depth in every bite without overpowering the veggies.
- Onion powder: Layers in gentle sweetness to the creamy base.
- Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth and flavor.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled: Smoky, salty bites that take the casserole over the top.
- Green onions, chopped: Brings a fresh crunch and splash of color to finish.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional): For that irresistible, golden crunch on top—highly recommended!
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous mist of cooking spray so nothing sticks. This step sets you up for an easy cleanup later and perfectly oven-crisped edges for your Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole.
Step 2: Blanch the Veggies
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Toss in the cauliflower and broccoli florets, letting them cook for 3-4 minutes—just enough to take off the raw edge while keeping them vibrantly green and slightly crisp. Drain them well and set aside; no one wants a watery casserole!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is luscious and smooth. This dreamy mixture will envelope every floret, ensuring each bite of the Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole is creamy perfection.
Step 4: Add Veggies, Bacon & Cheese
Fold in your blanched cauliflower and broccoli, half the cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stir well so everything is evenly coated and the smoky bacon is hiding in every forkful.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a layer of panko breadcrumbs if you like your casseroles with a satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is deeply golden and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the creamy base set up just right.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before hitting the table, shower the top with chopped green onions. Their bright color and snappy bite make this Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole taste even fresher.
How to Serve Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your casserole with an extra sprinkle of green onions or even a few more bacon crumbles. A little fresh chopped parsley makes it pop on the table and brings a vibrant touch to each slice.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves good company! Serve it alongside rotisserie chicken, grilled sausages, or seared pork chops for a hearty meal. It also shines next to lighter salads for a satisfying vegetarian plate (just skip the bacon).
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, spoon the Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole into individual ramekins—so fun for a buffet! Or use leftovers to stuff baked potatoes for a supercharged lunch. You can even scoop it onto toasted bread for an over-the-top open-faced veggie melt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover casserole to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up beautifully for up to 3-4 days, making lunches and quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
Want to save some for another night? This casserole freezes well! Wrap individual portions tightly or store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (cover with foil to keep things moist). For a quick fix, microwave smaller portions in 45-second bursts, stirring in between, until steamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen cauliflower and broccoli, just thaw and pat dry before adding, so the casserole doesn’t get watery. The flavor and texture will still be spot-on for your Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
You bet—just leave out the bacon or swap it for a vegetarian bacon alternative. It will still be packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and plenty of flavor.
What’s the best way to get a really crunchy topping?
Go for the panko breadcrumbs and give them a quick spray of cooking oil before baking. That way they toast up extra crispy and golden.
Can I prepare Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole in advance?
Definitely! Assemble it up to the baking stage and store, covered, in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.
What other cheeses work in this recipe?
Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, gruyere, or a sharp white cheddar for different flavor twists. Don’t be shy about making this Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole your own!
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this inviting, irresistibly cheesy Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole on your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how crave-worthy veggies can be—make it once, and you’ll find yourself inventing reasons to whip it up again and again!
Print
Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and satisfying side dish that combines the creamy richness of cheddar and cream cheese with the freshness of cauliflower and broccoli, all topped with crispy bacon and green onions.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Broccoli Mixture:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked cauliflower and broccoli, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding cooked chicken or ham for extra protein.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Casserole, Cheese, Bacon
