Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Easy Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s broccoli cauliflower casserole transforms humble vegetables into a creamy, irresistible comfort food that dances between rustic and elegant.

Hearty green and white florets merge with rich, velvety ingredients to create a memorable dining experience.

Families gather around this dish, anticipating each decadent, cheese-laden bite.

Crisp vegetable textures blend seamlessly with smooth, melted components for a satisfying meal.

Nutritious and indulgent, this casserole represents home cooking at its finest – simple yet sophisticated.

Warm, bubbling edges hint at the deliciousness waiting beneath a golden-brown surface.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this classic side dish from ordinary to extraordinary: get ready to impress.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is the Ultimate Comfort Side

Why Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is the Ultimate Comfort Side
  • Creamy Comfort Fusion: Combines broccoli and cauliflower with a luxuriously smooth cream cheese sauce that transforms ordinary vegetables into a decadent side dish.
  • Texture Explosion: Delivers a perfect balance between tender steamed vegetables, silky cream sauce, melted cheese, and crispy buttered breadcrumb topping that provides multiple satisfying mouthfeels.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Takes just an hour from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy families wanting a nutritious and delicious vegetable casserole that feels like a gourmet meal without complex preparation steps.

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Vegetables:
  • Broccoli, Cauliflower: Fresh and crisp vegetables that provide the base of the casserole, with a mild, nutty flavor and excellent nutritional value.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and tangy depth to the sauce, best when at room temperature for smooth melting.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that provides a creamy, gooey layer with subtle flavor and excellent coverage.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides a savory foundation and depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium variety helps create a light, flavorful sauce without excessive saltiness.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Salt, Pepper, Seasoned Salt, Paprika: Blend of seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds texture and crunch to the casserole.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Steam broccoli and cauliflower florets for 3-4 minutes until bright and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Roux Base

Sprinkle flour over sautéed onions and garlic. Stir thoroughly to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps remove the raw flour taste and creates a smooth sauce foundation.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer and stir until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Add room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until completely melted and sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Seasoned salt
  • Dash of paprika

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Prepare Cheese and Topping

Grate Monterey Jack cheese. In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter

Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.

Step 7: Layer Casserole

In a baking dish, create first layer with:
  • Half of steamed vegetables
  • Half of creamy sauce
  • Half of grated cheese

Step 8: Complete Final Layers

Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients. Top with buttered breadcrumbs.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake casserole for 35 minutes until top is golden brown and sides are bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

  • Crunch with Care: Blend breadcrumbs and Parmesan just before sprinkling to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Cheese for Success: Grate cheese blocks by hand to guarantee smoother melting and richer flavor throughout the creamy sauce.
  • Freshness Matters: Select crisp, firm broccoli and cauliflower directly from produce section to ensure peak taste and ideal vegetable consistency.
  • Taste Before Baking: Sample sauce seasoning prior to casserole assembly, adjusting salt and pepper levels for a perfectly balanced final dish.
  • Temperature Trick: Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

  • Freeze Portion Wisely: Divide the casserole into individual servings before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed container. This method prevents freezer burn and makes reheating a breeze when you're craving a quick meal.
  • Refrigerator Storage Hack: Keep the casserole in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Place it on the middle shelf, away from raw meats, to prevent cross-contamination. Consume within four days for the best flavor and texture.
  • Reheat Like a Pro: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture and bring back the original creamy consistency.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Veggie Bake: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and swap breadcrumbs with crushed whole wheat crackers for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Cheesy Bacon Ranch Fusion: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the layers and mix ranch seasoning into the cream cheese sauce for a hearty, indulgent variation.
  • Vegan Vegetable Comfort Casserole: Use plant-based cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese, and coconut oil in place of butter to create a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy flavors.

Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole: A Cheesy, Veggie-Packed Delight

Pioneer Woman’s broccoli cauliflower casserole emerges as a comforting classic that elevates humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating layers of rich, creamy goodness that tantalize taste buds.

Cheese and breadcrumbs provide delightful texture contrasts against tender vegetable foundations.

Homestyle cooking reaches new heights with this simple yet sophisticated side dish.

Families and friends will discover pure satisfaction in each carefully crafted bite.

Passionate home chefs can share this recipe, spark kitchen creativity, and connect through delicious memories – go ahead, spread the love, click that share button, and let deliciousness inspire your next gathering.

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Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Pioneer Woman’s broccoli cauliflower casserole blends creamy comfort with garden-fresh goodness. Cheese-laden vegetables mingle in a golden, crispy-topped masterpiece that welcomes friends and family to savor each delightful forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 head broccoli, broken into small florets
  • 1 head cauliflower, broken into small florets
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup monterey jack cheese (or cheddar, cheddar-jack, parmesan)
  • Butter for sautéing and melting over breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Seasoned salt to taste
  • Paprika to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables by placing broccoli and cauliflower florets in a steamer basket. Steam for 3-4 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender, then remove and set aside.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour flavor.
  4. Gradually pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Introduce 4 ounces (113 grams) of room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and a dash of paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Grate 1 cup (100 grams) of Monterey Jack cheese or your preferred cheese variety. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup (120 grams) of seasoned breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
  7. Layer half of the steamed broccoli and cauliflower in a casserole dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the vegetables, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top of the sauce.
  8. Complete the layers with the remaining vegetables, creamy sauce, and grated cheese. Top the casserole with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 35 minutes, or until the casserole becomes bubbly and develops a golden-brown crust.

Notes

  • Customize this casserole by adding cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier meal, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
  • Leftovers taste just as delicious when reheated, providing a convenient option for busy weekday lunches or quick dinners.
  • Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into a crowd-pleasing creation.
  • A velvety sauce crafted from cream cheese and chicken broth coats the vegetables, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, creamy flavor.
  • Sautéed onions and garlic build a deep flavor base, while steamed broccoli and cauliflower maintain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
  • Crunchy breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a golden topping that adds irresistible texture and a delightful buttery crunch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 225
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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