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Broccoli cauliflower bacon casserole is a hearty and creamy dish that melds the tender crunch of green broccoli and pale cauliflower with the savory, crispy bite of bacon. This rich comfort food, often topped with a golden layer of melted cheese, is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
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Veggie Packed Bacon Casserole
Broccoli cauliflower bacon casserole is a harmonious blend of two beloved vegetables, enriched by the indulgent touch of crispy bacon. The green florets of broccoli bring a slightly earthy, mild flavor, while the cauliflower adds a subtle sweetness and buttery texture to the mix. Together, they create a canvas for the smoky and salty taste of bacon that infuses every bite.
To elevate the dish even further, many variations of this casserole are bound together by a creamy cheese sauce, creating a gooey and delectable heartiness that is hard to resist. The final touch often includes a sprinkling of breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top, which when baked, results in a crispy, golden crust. This casserole is not only a visual treat with its contrasting colors but also a mouthwatering side dish perfect for festive gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
How to make Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Casserole
You will need the following:
- Bacon (8 pieces) – Bacon offers a smoky, salty bite with a hint of savory meatiness.
- Cauliflower (1/2 large head) – Cauliflower has a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a hint of earthiness.
- Broccoli (1/2 large head) – Broccoli offers a slightly earthy, green flavor with a hint of sweetness when cooked.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup) – Sour cream has a thick, creamy consistency with a tangy, lactic zest.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup) – Mayonnaise presents a creamy, tangy profile balanced by a mild sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1 tbsp) – Heavy cream boasts a rich, velvety texture with a subtly sweet undertone.
- Sea salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Sea salt brings out the natural flavors of foods with its clean salinity, while pepper adds a slightly spicy kick.
- Colby & Monterey jack cheese (1 cup) – Colby Jack cheese merges the mildness of Colby with the creamy texture of Monterey Jack, resulting in a gentle, melty flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup) – Cheddar cheese provides a tangy, sharp richness that can range from mild to intense based on aging.
- Chives (5 tbsp) – Chives impart a delicate oniony taste with a fresh, green crispness.
Use this Method to Make the Casserole
Cook the veg. Steam or blanch the cauliflower and broccoli until tender.
Mix the cheese. Combine the sour cream, mayo, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the cauliflower, broccoli, bacon, cheese, and chives, mix well.
Assemble. Add the mix to a greased baking dish. Top with the Colby jack, and Monterey jack cheese and the rest of the bacon.
Bake. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes remove the foil then bake another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Serve right away!
Tips and Tricks for Cauliflower Broccoli Bacon Casserole
Blanching the Vegetables: Briefly blanching the broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water ensures they retain their vibrant color and reduces overall baking time. After blanching, shock them in an ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve their crunch.
Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This provides a contrast in texture and prevents it from becoming soggy when mixed with the other ingredients.
Cheese Sauce: If you’re using a cheese sauce, ensure it’s creamy and lump-free. A roux (butter and flour mixture) can help thicken it. Opt for flavorful cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or smoked gouda.
Layering: Consider layering the ingredients in the casserole dish, interspersing layers of vegetables with bacon and cheese sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Breadcrumbs: For added texture, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated cheese on top. It’ll create a crispy golden crust when baked.
Season Well: Don’t forget to season each layer. Cauliflower and broccoli can be somewhat bland on their own, so adequate salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of garlic or onion powder can elevate the flavors.
Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even bits of roasted chicken for a more substantial dish.
Baking: Ensure you bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it with foil and continue baking.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This will help the cheese sauce set a bit and make serving easier.
Use Fresh Ingredients: While frozen vegetables can work in a pinch, fresh broccoli and cauliflower will give the best texture and flavor.
Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. This can help in merging the flavors better. Bake it just before you’re ready to serve.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but they might release more water during baking. It’s recommended to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to prevent a soggy casserole.
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. This might even help the flavors meld better.
Yes, you can leave out the bacon. For a similar smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or smoked cheese to your casserole.
Creamy cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack, are ideal. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites or mix multiple cheeses for a unique flavor.
This can happen if the vegetables release too much moisture. Ensure you blanch and drain the vegetables well, especially if using frozen ones. Also, ensure your cheese sauce isn’t too thin.
Of course! This casserole is versatile. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced zucchini for added flavor and texture.
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions, though the texture may change upon reheating.
It’s best to reheat the casserole in the oven at a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) until it’s heated through. This ensures the top remains crispy. Microwaving is quicker but might make the top soggy.
The primary ingredients—broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon—are already low-carb. Ensure you use a low-carb thickener for the sauce, like xanthan gum, instead of traditional flour-based roux.
What to Enjoy with this Savory Casserole
Grilled Chicken or Turkey: The mild flavors of poultry contrast nicely with the richness of the casserole.
Roast Beef or Steak: The hearty nature of red meat pairs wonderfully with the casserole’s creaminess.
Pan-Seared Fish: A light, flaky fish like cod or tilapia offers a gentle flavor counterpoint.
Pork Chops or Tenderloin: The savory nature of pork complements the bacon element in the casserole.
Garden Salad: A crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the creaminess of the casserole.
Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: These can absorb any excess sauce and add a different texture to the meal.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, or parsnips add color and an earthy taste to the plate.
Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: These veggies provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich casserole.
Crusty French Bread or Baguette: Great for scooping up any lingering sauce.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls can complement the textures of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: For those who enjoy an added punch of flavor.
White Wine: A crisp chardonnay or pinot grigio can cleanse the palate between bites.
Red Wine: A light-bodied pinot noir might work if paired with a meaty main dish.
Beer: A light lager or pale ale can contrast the dish’s richness.
Lemon Water or Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic refresher that helps in cutting through the casserole’s creaminess.
Desserts (for after the meal):
Sorbet: A light, fruity sorbet can cleanse the palate after such a rich meal.
Tiramisu or Panna Cotta: If you’re going for a luxurious end to the meal.
Berry Parfait: The tartness of berries contrasts well with the savory casserole.
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More delicious recipes:
Cauliflower Broccoli Bacon Casserole Recipe
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Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon crispy
- ½ large head cauliflower cut into florets
- ½ large head broccoli cut into florets
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Colby & Monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 5 tbsp chopped fresh chives divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Steam cauliflower and broccoli until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the steamed cauliflower & broccoli florets, half of the bacon, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons chives & mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and top with the colby, monterey jack cheese, and the other half of the bacon.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes or just until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
