Cauliflower Broccoli Cheese Bake

Name: Cauliflower Broccoli Cheese Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 medium cauliflower head (cut into small florets); 1 medium broccoli head (cut into small florets); 1 cup frozen mixed veg (corn, peas, carrot, beans); 3 cups water; 5 tbsp butter; 5 tbsp all purpose flour; 2 cups cooking liquid (from the veggies); 1 cup water; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg; 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); Salt & Pepper to taste; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1 tsp dried oregano

A vegetarian lovers paradise, this recipe is filled with your favourite veggies drenched in a rich, creamy cheese white sauce that is baked until gooey, golden and delicious. It is a simple and easy weeknight meal fit for anyone.

These are the kind of recipes I look for when I am craving something comforting, quick, perfect for a weekday meal or for entertaining over the weekend. This bake is such a winner and so simple to make. The beauty about this recipe is that it is subjective to your palate. You can use any veggies you prefer. I usually make it like a cauliflower and broccoli cheese bake but this time I had a little leftover frozen mixed veg (carrot, corn peas and beans) which I have used. You could use any vegetables you like, potatoes, zucchini, cabbage, etc.

What is cauliflower broccoli cheese bake?

It is a simple vegetarian meal that consists of cooked cauliflower and broccoli, tossed in a cheese white sauce, topped with bread crumbs and baked until golden and crispy. It makes for an easy but delicious veggie packed main course or side dish.

What ingredients do you need to make this cauliflower broccoli cheese bake?

To make this bake I have used cauliflower, broccoli, mixed frozen veg (corn, carrot, peas and beans). You will need flour, butter, the cooking liquid from the veggies, milk, cheese (cheddar, mozzarella), nutmeg, salt, dried oregano, pepper to make the cheese white sauce. I used panko breadcrumbs for the top with more cheese to give it that golden color and crunchy texture. I like to add a little mustard into the sauce some times to give it a little kick in the flavor.

What equipment do you need to make this cauliflower broccoli cheese bake?

We need a large stock pot to cook the vegetables. I like using the same pot to make the cheese white sauce with the help of a whisk and rubber spatula. The components are assembled in a casserole/oven safe dish that is 9×6 inches. To portion the cauliflower and broccoli you will need a chopping board with a knife. It is baked in the oven until golden.

How to make this cauliflower broccoli cheese bake?

Preheat the oven to 180℃. In a large stock pot add the cauliflower, broccoli florets and mixed frozen veg. Pour in around 3 cups of water add 1/2 tsp salt and stir, bring this to a boil and cook the veggies until done. Strain out the liquid into a container and transfer the hot cooked veg into your casserole dish. In the same stock pot add the butter and let it melt, sprinkle in the flour and whisk. Cook together until it is like a paste and the aroma resembles a biscuit around 2-3 minutes on low to medium heat.

Add the cooking liquid and whisk well to ensure there are no lumps. Add the milk, dried oregano and whisk again. Allow this to bubble and cook for 8-10 minutes on low to medium heat until thickened. The sauce should have the consistency of double cream. Add the cheese into the sauce and stir well until dissolved. Pour the sauce over the veggies and briefly stir it together. Top with more mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs, bake for 15 minutes with the top broiler on or until you have achieved that golden brown top. Serve hot.

Serving this cauliflower broccoli cheese bake?

I would suggest serving this with my garlic bread or any toasted bread would work here. You could also serve it with steamed fish, grilled chicken or any protein of your choice. I would suggest serving it with cottage cheese to keep this dish vegetarian. Mum loved it with hot sauce while I liked it with a bit more crushed black pepper on the top. Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top is the perfect garnish for it but you could also do basil leaves.

Storing this cauliflower broccoli cheese bake?

The leftovers can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. When ready to eat, serve the amount you want into a plate, microwave it for 30 seconds to 45 seconds or until hot. I have frozen this in containers for a couple of weeks. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw and then reheat in the microwave. Alternatively you can assemble it the night before and top with bread crumbs the next day before baking in the oven and serving.

Looking for more vegetarian recipes?

Now that we have covered how to make this cauliflower broccoli cheese bake, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on pinterest & instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.