Cauliflower-Broccoli Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower and broccoli au gratin featuring tender vegetables baked in a savory cheese sauce until bubbling and golden. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special gatherings, it combines rich flavors with a crispy cracker topping for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen cauliflower and broccoli as directed; drain.
- Put the cooked vegetables into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan.
- Stir in flour, salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and Accent until smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in hot milk.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle chopped onion, drained pimento, and grated Cheddar cheese over the vegetables.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle crushed soda crackers and paprika over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder or nutmeg to the cheese sauce. If you prefer a lower-calorie version, substitute half-and-half with almond milk. You can also swap Cheddar cheese for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different taste. To add a crunchy topping, use crushed tortilla chips instead of soda crackers. This dish is a great vegetarian option for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cauliflower-Broccoli Au Gratin as a comforting side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled seafood. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a light soup, such as a classic tomato bisque. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread. This dish also works well for potlucks or as a vegetarian centerpiece.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the topping crispy. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cauliflower-Broccoli Au Gratin contains roughly 696 calories, with 8g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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 vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower and broccoli! Just steam them until tender before adding to the casserole. Fresh vegetables will provide a slightly different texture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked but not mushy.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce. Be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients, like the seasoned salt, to ensure they are gluten-free.
What can I do if I don't have pimento?
If you don't have pimento, you can simply omit it or use diced roasted red peppers or even chopped green bell peppers for a similar color and flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
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).