Cauliflower and broccoli are a match made in heaven, and when combined in a creamy casserole, they become a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This Cauliflower-Broccoli Casserole is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of cooked ham and a rich cheese sauce. Follow this recipe and impress your family and friends with a wonderful, hearty meal!
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower (about 1.1-1.3 lbs / 500-600 g)
- 1 large broccoli (about 1.1 lbs / 500 g)
- 200 g cooked ham (about 7 oz)
- Salt to taste
- 60 g butter (about 4 tbsp)
- 60 g flour (about ½ cup)
- 250 ml milk (about 1 cup)
- 250 ml cream (about 1 cup)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of pepper
- A pinch of grated nutmeg
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 200 g grated cheese (about 7 oz)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cauliflower and broccoli. Cut both into large florets. Peel the stalk of the broccoli and cut it into large pieces. Place the cauliflower and broccoli into two separate bowls. Dice the cooked ham into small cubes.
- Blanch the Cauliflower and Broccoli: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the cauliflower florets for about 4 minutes until just tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower and transfer it to a bowl of cold water, ideally with ice cubes, to stop the cooking process. Drain well. In the same pot, blanch the broccoli for about 3 minutes; then transfer it to the cold water and drain.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F for conventional oven, 365°F for fan oven). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and rub the minced garlic clove on the bottom and sides of the dish. Pour the prepared sauce into the baking dish. Evenly distribute the blanched cauliflower, broccoli, and diced ham on top.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the casserole. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 410
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or asparagus to the casserole for added color and nutrients. Just remember that denser vegetables will require longer cooking times.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties! Try cheddar for a sharper flavor or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. A combination of cheeses will also elevate the taste.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the day before and refrigerate it. Simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
Possible Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk and cream. Replace the cheese with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an added spicy kick, or top the casserole with some crispy bacon bits before serving for extra flavor.
This Cauliflower-Broccoli Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies while satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!