Easy Broccoli, Carrot & Cauliflower Cheese Bowl
This quick and comforting dish features tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and mild cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main dish or a side that steals the spotlight. The recipe is simple, ready in under 30 minutes, and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or seasonings.
⏳ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the vegetables:
2 cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups cauliflower florets
1 cup carrots, sliced thin or into matchsticks
Salt for boiling water
For the cheese sauce:
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mix cheddar + mozzarella for creaminess)
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley
Paprika
Extra shredded cheese
✅ Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the vegetables
1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add carrots and cauliflower first (since they take longer to cook), boil for 4 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and boil another 3–4 minutes until all vegetables are just tender.
4. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2 — Make the cheese sauce
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth paste (roux).
3. Slowly whisk in milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 3 — Combine & serve
1. Add the cooked vegetables to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat.
2. Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with parsley, paprika, or extra cheese if desired.
3. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes & Tips
Cheese choice: Cheddar gives a classic flavor, but Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses can add depth.
For extra creaminess: Add 2 tbsp cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Make-ahead: You can steam the vegetables earlier in the day, store in the fridge, and reheat them in the cheese sauce before serving.
Healthier swap: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese or replace some cheese with nutritional yeast for a lighter dish.
Crunchy topping: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs + cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just steam or microwave them until tender before adding to the cheese sauce.
Q2: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch (mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold milk before adding to the hot milk).
Q3: Can I add protein?
Absolutely — stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or chickpeas for a heartier bowl.
Q4: Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, cheese sauces firm up as they cool. If reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
ℹ️ Nutritional Information
Calories: 230 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Sugars: 6 g
Fiber: 4 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 350 mg