Mediterranean Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

Mediterranean Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole

Mediterranean Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole is a cozy, nutrient-packed baked dish loaded with fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and Mediterranean flavors. It’s a lighter alternative to heavy cream-based casseroles, featuring feta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs for bold taste without the excess calories.

Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish, this casserole is warm, comforting, and easy to make. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be prepped ahead of time for weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.

Total Time:

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30–35 minutes
Total: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

Vegetables:

2 cups broccoli florets, small bite-sized pieces

2 cups cauliflower florets, small bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Cheese & Cream Mixture:

3/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or 2%)

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 large eggs

2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1/3 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)

1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish with olive oil.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp.

Drain and immediately run under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry.

Make the Cheese Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, eggs, feta, mozzarella, parsley (or dill), oregano, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole:

In the bowl with the cheese mixture, fold in the broccoli, cauliflower, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and red onion.

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Add the Topping:

Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella or Parmesan.

Add pine nuts or almonds if using, and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake:

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a main dish with a side salad or pita bread.

Pair as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.

Tips

Don’t Over-Blanch the Vegetables:
Blanch just until tender-crisp (2–3 minutes) to keep the broccoli and cauliflower from getting mushy during baking.

Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh broccoli and cauliflower give the best texture, but you can use frozen vegetables (thawed and drained) in a pinch.

Let It Rest:
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking before cutting into it. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Customize the Cheese Blend:
You can use goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a creamier texture if desired.

Variations:

Protein Additions:

Add Chicken or Turkey: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey for extra protein.

Ground Meat: Browned ground chicken, turkey, or lamb works well too.

Veggie Variations:

Mix in spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for more Mediterranean flavors.

Use asparagus or zucchini along with broccoli and cauliflower.

Flavor Twists:

Sprinkle with za’atar seasoning or sumac for a Middle Eastern-inspired twist.

Use basil or mint instead of parsley or dill for a fresh herb change.

Make it Vegan:

Use dairy-free yogurt, plant-based feta, and egg replacers to make a vegan version.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, after baking. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no breadcrumbs or flour.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Serve with a Greek salad, lemon-herb rice, pita bread, or grilled meats for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approximate)

Note: Nutrition will vary based on cheese type and toppings used.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. Its blend of creamy feta, mozzarella, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients makes it flavorful yet light. Whether served as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side, this casserole is perfect for any time of year and can easily be prepped ahead for busy days.