Cauliflower and Broccoli Vegetable Casserole with Garlic Sauce

#### For the Garlic Sauce:
– **3 tablespoons unsalted butter**
– **4 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 tablespoon all-purpose flour** (use gluten-free flour if needed)
– **1 cup milk** (whole milk works best for a creamy sauce, but you can use a dairy-free option if preferred)
– **1/2 cup heavy cream** (for extra richness, can substitute with more milk if desired)
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (optional, for added flavor)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes** (optional, for a little heat)
– **1 tablespoon fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)

### **How to Make Cauliflower and Broccoli Vegetable Casserole with Garlic Sauce**

This casserole may sound fancy, but it’s actually quite simple to make! With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

#### **1. Roast the Vegetables**

Start by preheating your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. While the oven heats up, cut the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Toss the florets with **1 tablespoon of olive oil** and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the vegetables are just tender and lightly browned on the edges. You want them to have a bit of texture, so don’t overcook them. This roasting step brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower and broccoli and gives them a delicious caramelized flavor.

#### **2. Make the Garlic Sauce**

While the vegetables are roasting, it’s time to make the creamy garlic sauce. Start by melting **3 tablespoons of butter** in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced **garlic** and sauté for about **1-2 minutes** until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, whisk in **1 tablespoon of flour** and cook for about **1 minute** to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the **milk**, whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Stir in the **heavy cream** and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Let the sauce simmer for **3-4 minutes** until it thickens slightly. Once it reaches a creamy consistency, stir in the **Parmesan cheese** (if using), and season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **crushed red pepper flakes**. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

#### **3. Combine the Roasted Vegetables with the Garlic Sauce**

Once the cauliflower and broccoli are roasted, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large casserole dish. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the roasted vegetables and gently toss to coat evenly.

#### **4. Bake the Casserole**

After the vegetables are evenly coated in the garlic sauce, spread them out in the casserole dish and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for an additional **15-20 minutes** until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. You can also sprinkle a little extra **Parmesan cheese** on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.

#### **5. Garnish and Serve**

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

### **Tips for Perfecting Your Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole**

– **Don’t Overcook the Vegetables**: Roasting the broccoli and cauliflower beforehand is key to keeping them from getting too mushy in the casserole. Aim for just tender, not overcooked.
– **Add Protein**: If you want to make this dish more filling, consider adding some cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon bits to the casserole.
– **Vary the Cheese**: While **Parmesan** is great in this dish, you can also try **cheddar**, **mozzarella**, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
– **Make-Ahead Option**: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to **1 day** before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: Feel free to add in other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and nutrition of this dish.

### **Why This Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole Works**

This casserole strikes the perfect balance between **health** and **comfort**. The roasted cauliflower and broccoli provide all the nutrition you’d expect from these powerhouse vegetables, while the **garlic sauce** adds richness and depth. The sauce, with its **creamy texture** and **savory garlic flavor**, ties everything together beautifully, making it impossible to resist.

It’s a dish that works just as well as a **side dish** to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian main course. The flavors are familiar but elevated, making this casserole ideal for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

### **A Versatile and Delicious Dish for Any Meal**

Whether you’re looking for a **vegetarian side** to complement your meal, a way to get your family to eat more vegetables, or simply craving a rich and creamy dish, this **Cauliflower and Broccoli Vegetable Casserole with Garlic Sauce** is the answer. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.

Enjoy the creamy richness of the garlic sauce, the wholesome crunch of the roasted vegetables, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created a meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing.