Broccoli-Cauliflower
A creamy, cheesy vegetable side featuring broccoli and cauliflower, perfect for family dinners and potlucks, with a rich Cheez Whiz flavor and crunchy crouton topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the frozen broccoli, cauliflower, Cheez Whiz, and seasoning together.
- Place the mixture into a crock-pot.
- Top with croutons.
- Cook on medium for several hours until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute Cheez Whiz with a homemade cheese sauce or a vegan cheese alternative to cater to vegan recipes. Adding spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy broccoli-cauliflower dish as a hearty side for grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad like Vermont Apple Slaw for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Crispy Rice Treats for a unique twist on traditional sides. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a crock-pot on low until bubbling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Cauliflower contains roughly 234 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli and cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli and cauliflower! Just steam them lightly before mixing with Cheez Whiz to ensure they are tender when cooked in the crock-pot. This may shorten the cooking time, so keep an eye on it.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can replace Cheez Whiz with a homemade cheese sauce made from nutritional yeast and cashews for a creamy vegan alternative. Additionally, adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can increase the nutritional value.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover broccoli-cauliflower mix can be repurposed into a delicious casserole. Simply layer it with cooked pasta and top with breadcrumbs before baking. You can also mix it into an omelet or frittata for a quick breakfast option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).