Cheesy Ranch Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

I was trying to come up with something new and different to do with all our broccoli and cauliflower last weekend.  Typically I just steam it or bake it in the oven with a bit of oil and salt but I wanted something a bit more savory and decided to try my hand at making a casserole with just the vegetables.

It was so yummy that 1/2 of the 13x9 pan was empty by the time dinner was over!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head cauliflower
• 2 small heads broccoli
• 4 Tbsp + 1 tsp butter
• onion flakes (or diced onion)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 4 Tbsp flour
• 1 Cup milk
• 1 Cup chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup shredded cheese (We used 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella)
• 1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers

Step 1: Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets and bring to a boil.  Boil for just 5 minutes so that the veggies are still crisp.  Then drain.  

Step 2:  In a separate pan melt the 4 tbsp butter and saute diced onions (or flakes).  Add garlic and 4 Tbsp flour.  Mix butter and flour mixture to make a roux.  Slowly add in milk, chicken broth, and ranch dressing mix over medium- high heat stirring almost constantly.  Continue cooking until thickened.

Step 3:  Pour broccoli and cauliflower mixture into a 13 x 9 pan and stir together with the milk mixture and the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Melt the remaining teaspoon of butter and crush the Ritz crackers; then mix together and spread over the veggies.

Step 5: Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until bubbly and crackers are slightly browned.

Serve hot and enjoy!

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