For those looking for a comforting, cheesy, and filling meal, this Creamy Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Smoked Sausage delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender cauliflower and broccoli florets, rich cream cheese, and smoky sausage creates a casserole that is both hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this casserole is sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s versatile enough to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- ½ pound cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces of smoked sausage (such as Polish or Andouille), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened and diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or substitute with plain yogurt or sour cream)
- 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese, separated
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheat your oven and lightly grease a large casserole dish, then set it aside. - Cook the vegetables:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the sausage, onions, and garlic:
Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes tender. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. - Mix the casserole base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise (or yogurt/sour cream), 1½ cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. - Assemble the casserole:
Gently fold the cooked broccoli and cauliflower florets into the cream cheese mixture. Add the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture, and mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. - Top with cheese and bake:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the casserole is thoroughly heated. - Serve and enjoy:
Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This casserole is perfect on its own or paired with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Smoked Sausage is a warm, comforting dish that packs in plenty of flavors. The creaminess from the cheese and mayonnaise balances beautifully with the smoky sausage, while the tender broccoli and cauliflower add texture and nutrition. Whether you’re making this casserole for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s bound to be a hit. And with options to swap ingredients like yogurt or sour cream, it’s a flexible recipe that you can easily adapt to your taste. Enjoy this deliciously cheesy dish any night of the week!