This Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender vegetables with savory smoked sausage and a cheesy topping. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course!
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1/2 pound cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (Polish or Andouille, sliced into 1-inch rounds)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes for easier mixing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with plain yogurt or sour cream)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare Vegetables
- Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the boiling water. Cook for 3 minutes, then drain well and set aside.
3. Cook Sausage and Vegetables
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds.
- Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 3 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
4. Combine Ingredients
- Transfer the broccoli, cauliflower, and sausage mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly incorporated.
- Stir the cream cheese mixture into the broccoli and sausage mixture until everything is well combined.
5. Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Notes
- Ensure that the vegetables are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time and ensure a smoother melting process.
- Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite type of sausage for different flavors.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own. The combination of creamy cheese, tender vegetables, and flavorful sausage makes it a perfect choice for any meal.