Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Parmesan: Your Go-To 20-Minute Side Dish Recipe

Discover the magic of a side dish that’s both incredibly delicious and unbelievably quick to prepare! This creamy broccoli cauliflower parmesan recipe transforms humble vegetables into a show-stopping accompaniment in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of ease for bustling weeknight dinners and elegance for special occasions like potlucks and holiday gatherings. Whether you opt for a vibrant mix of both broccoli and cauliflower or prefer to highlight just one, this adaptable recipe promises a delightful experience for your taste buds.

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The inspiration for this now-beloved recipe struck during a memorable Thanksgiving celebration a few years ago. My sister introduced a broccoli parmesan dish that instantly captured everyone’s hearts (and stomachs!). Its irresistible flavor and comforting warmth made it an immediate hit, quickly cementing its place as a holiday tradition. Since then, it has graced countless family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always eliciting compliments and requests for the recipe.

Beyond its incredible taste, what truly elevates this dish is its remarkable speed and simplicity. From start to finish, you can have this creamy, cheesy vegetable side on your table in approximately 20 minutes. This quick turnaround time makes it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It has undeniably become one of my most cherished vegetable preparations, enjoyed not just during holidays but throughout the entire year.

A Versatile & Adaptable Family Favorite

This recipe is an adaptation from one of my all-time favorite and most frequently used cookbooks: the Junior League of Eugene’s Savor the Flavor of Oregon cookbook. Over time, I’ve discovered its wonderful adaptability. While initially a broccoli-focused dish, I frequently prepare it with a harmonious blend of both broccoli and cauliflower, or sometimes just one of the two, depending on what I have on hand or what I’m craving.

You’ll notice in these accompanying photos, I’ve even used Romanesco cauliflower. Sometimes mistakenly called Romanesco broccoli due to its striking appearance, it’s botanically a cauliflower and offers a slightly nuttier, sweeter flavor. Its beautiful, intricate florets add a gourmet touch, proving just how versatile this recipe is to whatever fresh produce graces your refrigerator. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy this delightful side dish year-round, making the most of seasonal availability or simply using up leftover vegetables.

This dish offers a lighter, yet equally indulgent, alternative to heavier, cheese-laden vegetable bakes. Instead of being completely drowned in cheese, it features a creamy, savory white sauce infused with the wonderful, robust flavor of Parmesan. While Parmesan is my go-to, I encourage you to experiment with other hard Italian cheeses like Romano or Asiago; they also lend a fantastic depth of flavor and melt beautifully, creating that irresistible bubbly, golden crust under the broiler.

Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Parmesan: Ingredients & Equipment

To recreate this delightful and simple side dish in your kitchen, gather the following ingredients and equipment:

Key Ingredients:

• Broccoli or Cauliflower (or a combination): Fresh florets are ideal. You can use solely broccoli, solely cauliflower, or an equal mix. As shown, Romanesco cauliflower also works beautifully, adding a unique texture and flavor profile.
• Milk: Any milk will do, but whole milk or 2% milk will yield a creamier sauce.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt content, but salted butter works too – just adjust the added salt accordingly. It forms the base of our roux and contributes to the richness of the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the roux, which thickens our white sauce to the perfect consistency. For a gluten-free option, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted.
• Dry Mustard Powder: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and depth, enhancing the cheese flavor without making the dish taste distinctly like mustard. Don’t skip it!
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season the vegetables and the sauce. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Onion: Finely minced, it adds a foundational aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick that complements the other flavors wonderfully.
• Parmesan Cheese: The star of the show! Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly and delivers that signature umami-rich, salty flavor. High-quality Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano cheese will elevate the dish significantly. Divided for both the sauce and the topping.
• Paprika: A light dusting of paprika on top before broiling adds a touch of color and a very subtle smoky, sweet flavor. It’s primarily for visual appeal.

Essential Equipment:

• 3-Quart Saucepan: For preparing the creamy white sauce.
• Steamer Insert/Basket: Crucial for perfectly steaming your vegetables until they are crisp-tender.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Whisk: Indispensable for creating a smooth, lump-free white sauce.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For safely preparing your vegetables and mincing aromatics.
• Heatproof Shallow Dish (about 1.5 quarts): This will be your baking dish, suitable for both serving and broiling. Choose one that’s oven-safe and aesthetically pleasing for presentation.
• Fine Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese, which melts much better and tastes superior to pre-grated varieties.

Simple Steps to a Sublime Side Dish

This recipe truly lives up to its promise of simplicity! Let’s walk through the easy steps to create this delicious side:

The first crucial step is to prepare your vegetables. Steam the broccoli and/or cauliflower florets until they are just crisp-tender. This means they should be cooked through but still retain a slight bite, not mushy. Typically, this takes about 6-7 minutes, but keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary based on the size of your florets and the type of steamer. Remember, you can use both vegetables together, or just one – the choice is entirely yours and the recipe will be equally delicious.

While your vegetables are steaming away, you can efficiently get started on the savory white sauce. This sauce is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor. Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics until the onion becomes soft and translucent, typically a few minutes. This step builds a fragrant base for your sauce.

In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard. Whisk them together to ensure an even distribution. Once your onions and garlic are tender, sprinkle this flour mixture over them in the saucepan. Stir continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste, forming what’s known as a roux. This is the thickening agent for your sauce.

Next, gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly as you add it to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture heats, bringing it to a gentle bubble. As it bubbles, the sauce will thicken beautifully. Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time for the star: add about 1/3 cup of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the hot sauce, whisking until it completely melts into a smooth, creamy, and irresistible concoction.

With both your vegetables steamed and your creamy sauce ready, it’s time to assemble. Carefully arrange the tender, steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets in your chosen heatproof shallow dish. Evenly pour the rich Parmesan sauce over the top, ensuring every piece of vegetable is coated. Finally, sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the sauced vegetables, along with a light dusting of paprika for color and a hint of extra flavor.

The grand finale! Place your dish under a preheated broiler. Position it about 3 inches from the heat source for approximately 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this time, as broilers can vary in intensity. You’re looking for the cheese to melt, become wonderfully bubbly, and turn a beautiful golden brown on top. This quick broiling step adds a fantastic crust and intensifies the cheese flavor.

Once broiled to perfection, serve your Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Parmesan immediately. The aromas will be intoxicating, and the combination of tender-crisp vegetables with the warm, savory, bubbly cheese sauce is simply divine. I genuinely believe that after tasting this dish, your perception of humble broccoli and cauliflower will be forever changed. The rich, umami flavor of Parmesan pairs exquisitely with these cruciferous vegetables, elevating them to a gourmet level.

Even on days when time is extremely limited, and I can’t whip up the full sauce, I often find myself sprinkling simple steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan. It’s a quick fix that still delivers a punch of delicious flavor, proving just how much of a difference good quality cheese makes. Yummm indeed!

Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Steaming until “crisp-tender” is key. Overcooked vegetables become mushy and lose their vibrant color and texture.
• Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and has a superior flavor.
• Whisk Vigorously for a Smooth Sauce: When adding milk to the roux, continuous whisking is essential to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth white sauce.
• Watch the Broiler Closely: Broilers can be very powerful. Stay by the oven and check frequently to avoid burning the cheese topping. Three minutes is a guideline; your oven might be faster or slower.
• Season to Taste: Taste your white sauce before adding the cheese and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Customizing Your Dish: Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or what you have available:

• Cheese Alternatives: While Parmesan is classic, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier kick, and Asiago provides a nuttier, slightly sweeter note. A blend of cheeses can also be delightful.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables. Asparagus, green beans, or even sliced bell peppers could be steamed alongside or instead of broccoli/cauliflower. Sautéed mushrooms or spinach could be folded into the sauce.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when making the roux. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or soy milk) and a vegan butter substitute. For the cheese, look for a good quality dairy-free Parmesan alternative that melts well.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the white sauce for a subtle warmth, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a more pronounced heat.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like a touch of thyme, oregano, or a hint of nutmeg can add another layer of complexity to the sauce.

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4.20 from 5 votes

Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Parmesan

This delicious and quick side dish of creamy broccoli cauliflower parmesan is ready in just 20 minutes. A recipe that’s easy enough for weeknight meals and nice enough for potlucks or holidays. Make it with both vegetables or only one – your choice!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Jami Boys

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds broccoli and cauliflower or just broccoli or cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced onion approximately 1/4 small onion
• 1 garlic clove finely minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups milk whole or 2% for best creaminess
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided (1/3 cup for sauce, 1/6 cup for topping)
• paprika for serving, optional, but recommended for color

Instructions

• Prepare Vegetables: Wash and trim your broccoli and/or cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Place them in a steamer basket over a saucepan with about an inch of simmering water. Steam until just crisp-tender, typically 6-7 minutes. They should be cooked through but still have a slight firmness.
• Start the White Sauce: While the vegetables are steaming, begin preparing the white sauce. In a separate 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking them gently until the onion is tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let the garlic brown.
• Form the Roux: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, ground black pepper, dry mustard, and salt. Sprinkle this flour mixture over the cooked onions and garlic in the saucepan. Stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux, cooking out any raw flour taste.
• Thicken the Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture heats up. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, and it will begin to thicken. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
• Add Parmesan: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it completely melts into the sauce, making it rich and smooth.
• Preheat Broiler: Turn on your broiler to preheat. Position an oven rack about 3 inches from the heating element.
• Assemble and Top: Arrange the steamed broccoli and cauliflower evenly in your heatproof shallow dish (approximately 1.5-quart capacity). Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce generously over the vegetables, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/6 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by a light dusting of paprika for color.
• Broil to Perfection: Place the dish under the preheated broiler. Broil for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Serve Immediately: Remove from the broiler and serve this irresistible side dish hot, allowing everyone to enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

Make Ahead Option for Potlucks and Parties:

This recipe is excellent for preparing in advance, especially when hosting or attending potlucks. You can steam the vegetables and make the white sauce completely beforehand. Store the steamed vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Store the sauce separately in a sealed container in the fridge for the same duration.

Right before serving, gently rewarm the steamed vegetables (you can quickly steam them again for a minute or two, or microwave them). Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and smooth. Arrange the warm vegetables in your serving dish or platter, pour the re-warmed sauce over the top, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and paprika, then broil as directed until bubbly and golden. This method ensures a fresh-tasting dish with minimal last-minute effort.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 449mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 994IU | Vitamin C: 102mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 1mg

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Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cauliflower Parmesan

This versatile side dish complements a wide array of main courses. Its rich, cheesy flavor and tender texture make it a wonderful pairing for:

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken breasts, pan-seared steak, roasted pork loin, or even a holiday turkey or ham.
• Fish Dishes: The creamy sauce works beautifully with baked salmon, cod, or flaky white fish.
• Pasta: Serve it as a hearty vegetable component with a simple pasta dish, perhaps a light marinara or a garlic and olive oil preparation.
• Vegetarian Mains: It can elevate a vegetarian meal, pairing well with lentil loaves, bean burgers, or hearty grain bowls.
• Other Holiday Staples: Alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing, it adds a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful vegetable option to your holiday spread.

Other Delicious Side Dishes to Try:

This recipe has been thoughtfully updated to provide even more detail and tips – it was originally published in December of 2009, and its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal!

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