MONTEREY BROCCOLI CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE








MONTEREY BROCCOLI CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE

My husband really liked this casserole.  The sauce is tasty, however, not overwhelming.  This is a relatively low-cal as well as low-carb dish. I love it and I think you will like it too.  Such a pretty dish to serve to company as well.  I'm always on the look out for some nice vegetable dishes, because let's face it these are healthy, legal carbs for us low-carbers, and it makes the difference between a good, satisfying, fun meal vs. a so-so meal.

1 lb chopped broccoli (0.45 kg)
1 lb chopped cauliflower (0.45 kg)
3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
11/cups grated Monterey Jack (375 mL)
  cheese
Creamy Sauce:
4 oz cream cheese, softened (125 g)
1/cup whipping cream (125 mL)
1/cup water (60 mL)
1 tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
2 tsp bottled crushed garlic (10 mL)
11/4 tsp salt (6 mL)
1/tsp cornstarch, OR arrowroot powder (optional) (2 mL)
1/tsp black pepper (2 mL)

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 

Chop the broccoli and cauliflower florets quite small. The stems of the broccoli can be used (just not the very ends) – peel stems and chop. Cook broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water 10 minutes or steam 4 minutes.  In 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, layer half the mixture of drained broccoli and cauliflower.  Pour half the sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle with half the Monterey Jack cheese.  Repeat, ending up with cheese and sprinkling the bacon bits on top.  Bake about 25 minutes.

Creamy Sauce:  In food processor, process cream cheese.  Add whipping cream, water, olive oil, garlic, salt, cornstarch, OR arrowroot powder and black pepper; process.  In medium pot over stove, pour sauce and over medium heat bring to a boil and remove from heat when thickened.

Helpful Hints:  If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more water and bring to the boil again.  Also, if adding chicken to make this a whole meal deal, so to speak, then double the sauce.  If you like, you can add some Parmesan cheese to the sauce, as you will need more salt too.

Yield:  8 servings
8 servings
239.1 calories
12.2 g protein
18.8 g fat
2.4 g fiber
5.2 g net carbs 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Here is my Amazon store for more of my favorite products: AMAZON STORE  Thank you for your support.