Description
This broccoli and cauliflower casserole is the ultimate weekend comfort food! Packed with nutritious vegetables, creamy sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is rich, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or meal prep, this casserole is a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Vegetables
- 800g potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pear, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, diced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 500ml (2 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
- 100ml (½ cup) milk
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp French herbs
For the Topping
- 100g mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp salt.
- Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same water, boil the diced potatoes for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Pear and Carrot
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced pear and carrot, sautéing until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken stock, followed by the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Season with black pepper, basil, and French herbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, mix the boiled potatoes, blanched cauliflower and broccoli, and sautéed pear and carrot.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side dish, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- For a richer taste, add a bit of grated Parmesan along with the mozzarella.
- Want more protein? Add cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food