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–+ servings
A rectangular metal baking dish filled with a casserole topped with a golden, crumbly crust, set on a patterned cloth.
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Broccoli and Bacon Casserole

This broccoli and bacon casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavor. Tender broccoli and smoky bacon come together in a simple baked dish that is comforting and satisfying. It works well as a side or a meal on its own.
Course Main Course, Main Dishes
Cuisine American, International
Keyword bacon, balsamic, broccoli, broccoli and bacon, broccoli florets, broccoli with bacon, brown, crisp, floret, parchment paper, parmesan, roasted broccoli, roasted broccoli with bacon, salt and pepper, side dish, tablespoon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 637kcal
Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 Cups Broccoli Florets
  • 5 Cups Cauliflower Pieces
  • 6 Pieces Bacon thick slices
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter split
  • 2 Cups Cheddar grated
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 2 Cup Crackers crushed
  • 4 Ounce Cream Cheese cubed
  • 2 Pieces Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika smoked
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Chop broccoli and cauliflower into small florets, blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes and cauliflower for 2–3 minutes, then drain and let dry while preheating the oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius).
  • Cut bacon into strips and fry until crispy, then drain on paper towels, chop, and reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
  • Add butter to the bacon fat, melt over medium heat, and stir in garlic, lemon zest, cayenne, and salt until fragrant. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened.
  • Crush crackers into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter and smoked paprika, and set aside for topping.
  • Remove sauce from heat, stir in cream cheese and cheddar until smooth, then fold in broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon until coated.
  • Spread mixture in a greased baking dish, top with cracker crumbs, cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 20–25 minutes more until golden and bubbling.

Notes

  • Blanch the veggies first: Giving broccoli and cauliflower a quick boil keeps them bright and tender without getting mushy in the oven.
  • Crisp the bacon well: Fry it until golden before adding it in so it stays crunchy after baking.
  • Use a good cheese blend: Mixing sharp cheddar with a bit of parmesan makes the sauce extra rich and flavorful.
  • Don’t skip the topping: A layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch to balance the creamy casserole.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 637kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 1714mg | Potassium: 912mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1714IU | Vitamin C: 163mg | Calcium: 276mg | Iron: 4mg