A hearty and delicious casserole loaded with nutritious vegetables, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Vegetable Casserole is the perfect dish for a wholesome meal.
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and a cheesy goodness, this casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. It’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and satisfies both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe brings comfort and health to your table in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish lightly with butter or olive oil.
- Prepare the Vegetables – Wash and chop the cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Blanch the Vegetables – In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, and blanch them for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables – Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Then, add the blanched cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. Stir well.
- Season the Mixture – Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red chili flakes over the vegetables. Stir everything together to coat evenly with seasonings.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce – Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream or milk. Stir gently and let it heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Add the Cheese – Gradually mix in half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and all the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the vegetable and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Topping – Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Then, add breadcrumbs for a crispy golden crust.
- Bake the Casserole – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.