Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole: A McCormick’s Masterpiece

Broccoli and cauliflower – often relegated to the side dish status, these nutritional powerhouses deserve to be the stars of the show! And what better way to elevate them than with a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole? This recipe, inspired by McCormick’s classic flavor profiles, transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary comfort food experience. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive in!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of broccoli and cauliflower provides a delightful textural contrast and a subtle sweetness that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce. McCormick’s spices add depth and complexity, making each bite a flavor sensation.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Add different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins to create your own signature casserole.
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** Warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something truly indulgent.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Vegetables:**
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
* **Creamy Sauce:**
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Onion Powder
* 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* **Topping (optional):**
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or steamer
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk
* Mixing bowls

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Vegetables

* **Wash and chop:** Thoroughly wash the broccoli and cauliflower. Cut them into florets of roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Try to avoid very large or very small pieces to get consistent results.
* **Blanch or steam:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can steam the vegetables for 5-7 minutes. The goal is to partially cook them, so they’re not completely raw when they go into the casserole. This will help them retain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Drain and set aside:** Drain the blanched or steamed vegetables well and set them aside in a large bowl to cool slightly.

### 2. Make the Creamy Sauce

* **Melt the butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Ensure the heat is not too high, or the butter will brown too quickly and burn.
* **Whisk in the flour:** Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for a smooth and flavorful sauce.
* **Slowly add the milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken. Don’t rush this process, as adding the milk too quickly can cause lumps.
* **Season the sauce:** Stir in the McCormick® Garlic Powder, McCormick® Onion Powder, McCormick® Nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed. Remember that the cheese will also add saltiness, so don’t over-season at this stage.
* **Melt the cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese for topping. Stir constantly to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. The sauce should be thick and creamy.

### 3. Assemble the Casserole

* **Combine vegetables and sauce:** Gently fold the blanched or steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets into the creamy cheese sauce. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the florets apart.
* **Pour into baking dish:** Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
* **Add topping (optional):** In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will add a nice crispy texture to the top of the casserole.

### 4. Bake the Casserole

* **Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping (if using) is golden brown and crispy. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
* **Cool slightly:** Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

## Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

* **Don’t overcook the vegetables:** Blanching or steaming the broccoli and cauliflower beforehand ensures they’re tender-crisp in the finished casserole. Overcooked vegetables will become mushy.
* **Use good quality cheese:** The quality of the cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the casserole. Use a good quality cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.
* **Add a touch of spice:** For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking. This is a great time saver for busy weeknights.
* **Freeze for later:** Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Protein Additions:** Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a heartier meal. Crumble cooked sausage or add shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Upgrade:** Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk for an even richer sauce.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free flour to make the sauce for a gluten-free version.
* **Breadcrumb Alternatives:** Use crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips for a different topping texture and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.

* **Main Course:** Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
* **Side Dish:** Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham.
* **Holiday Gathering:** This casserole is a crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday feast.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## McCormick’s Inspiration and Flavor Profile

This recipe draws inspiration from McCormick’s commitment to providing high-quality spices and flavorings that enhance everyday meals. The use of McCormick® Garlic Powder, McCormick® Onion Powder, and McCormick® Nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the creamy sauce, creating a truly unforgettable flavor experience. These spices are staples in any kitchen, and their consistent quality ensures that your casserole will taste delicious every time. Consider experimenting with other McCormick spices, such as paprika or chili powder, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

## Storing Leftovers

* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration.

## Conclusion

This Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy your vegetables. With its creamy cheese sauce, flavorful spices, and customizable options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!