Hibiscus House: Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Topped With Homemade Garlic Bread Croutons

We have on hand in our home broccoli and cauliflower quite often. We do eat them steamed a lot but there are times when a hot casserole hits the spot.

You may remember that I recently was on a whole wheat bread baking kick. I froze several loaves and they've become very handy. I've used some slices in French Onion Soup and on this occasion I toasted cubes with a little garlic salt and drizzle of olive oil. Great croutons and also topper for this casserole. It was so delicious hot out of the oven.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli

2 cups cauliflower

2 large eggs

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 small onion

1 stick or 1/2 cup butter melted

Croutons small bag purchased or Homemade*(see instructions below) garlic-seasoned whole or crushed

Notes: I used 4 small farm fresh eggs, Duke's Mayonnaise, and made my own croutons from home-baked wheat bread* see simple instructions below. The mayonnaise makes for a delicious creamy texture but if you choose not to use it you may increase your eggs by one and add to 1/2 cup milk. Beat the milk into the bowl with the egg and cheese mixture.

Directions

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F

Cut into big bite-sized pieces the broccoli and cauliflower

Chop the small onion very finely

Microwave steam**(see instructions below) or stovetop steam/precook the broccoli and cauliflower in a small amount of water for 3 minutes then drain immediately

Melt butter covered in a microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds. Set aside.

Place broccoli and cauliflower into a 2 1/2 quart baking dish

Top vegetables in the pan with the finely chopped onions

Mix well the following together by hand in a medium bowl

Eggs beat them well

Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Add the mayonnaise

Then:

Pour over the broccoli, cauliflower, and onions in the baking dish

Pour the melted butter over the vegetables in the baking dish

Top with the remaining cheese

Top with croutons

Bake 30 - 40 minutes

Remove from oven cool slightly and serve

Serves 6 to 8

* Homemade Garlic Croutons:

Note- add foil over the top if your croutons brown too quickly to finish toasting

Bread of your choice: I used 5 huge slices of my home-baked wheat bread cut into 3/4 inch cubes

Place onto baking sheet drizzle with olive oil

Season with garlic salt and toss around making sure the cubes are in a single layer in the pan

Broil on high or bake on high heat 475 degrees F until browned to your liking. Stirring a little turning if necessary. Remove from oven.

Cool until use

**Steaming in the Microwave Instructions.

Put the cauliflower and broccoli into a microwave-safe dish and cover.

I used a Pampered Chef microwave steamer with a small amount of water just to cover the bottom. Steam the vegetables for 3 minutes. Remove immediately and drain the water now. Set aside.