Hearty Baked Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6

Overview

This vibrant casserole is a celebration of vegetables — tender broccoli and cauliflower, sautéed aromatics, and cherry tomatoes all baked in a warm, creamy milk base. It’s nutritious, family-friendly, and perfect as a vegetarian main or hearty side.

Ingredients

Main Vegetables:

• 900 g (2 lbs) broccoli, cut into florets

• 450 g (1 lb) cauliflower, cut into florets

For the Vegetable Sauté:

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste

For the Creamy Base:

• 5 cups (1.2 liters) whole milk

• Salt, to taste

Topping:

• 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Steam or boil the broccoli and cauliflower florets for 5–7 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp. Drain well and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and aromatic. Season with salt and stir in the chopped parsley.

3. Heat the Milk

In a separate saucepan, heat the milk gently until it just begins to simmer. Season with salt to taste. This will serve as the creamy binder for the casserole.

4. Assemble the Casserole

In a large, greased casserole dish:

• Layer the steamed broccoli and cauliflower.

• Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly on top.

• Pour the warm milk over the entire dish.

5. Add the Cherry Tomatoes

Top with the halved cherry tomatoes, arranging them across the surface for a pop of color and flavor.

6. Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the milk has reduced slightly and the top has developed a light golden hue.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a main or a side dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250

• Protein: 10 g

• Fat: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Sodium: 300 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredient portions.

Tips & Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Add 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella) to the milk or sprinkle on top before baking for a more indulgent version.

• Breadcrumb Crunch: Top with seasoned breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a golden, crunchy finish.

• Make It a Meal: Serve with grilled chicken, baked tofu, or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.

• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole is more than just a vegetable dish — it’s a warm, wholesome hug in a casserole dish. The simple ingredients come together in a flavorful, nourishing bake that brings color and comfort to any table.