I wanted to find a new recipe for a good vegetable side dish for the holidays, and I remembered my cousin Jamie’s yummy mixed vegetable dish that is referred to in her family as “crunchy crunchy.” Rather than using frozen mixed vegetables, I used fresh broccoli and cauliflower, but left the remaining recipe as it was. It seems that during the holidays everyone serves that ubiquitous green bean casserole thing that originated in the 50s, and this Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Bake is a nice change since it isn’t swimming in sauce like that one.

While I was testing this new version, I left my half eaten plate on the counter and left the room for a minute. When I returned, I found my little black cat, Gwen, (who isn’t allowed on the counter), on the counter eating this yummy vegetable dish. So, since I like it, my family likes it, and Gwen likes it, I think you’ll like it too! It goes well with all the holiday side dishes from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

12 Servings

3/4 pound fresh broccoli, broken into bite-size florets
3/4 pound fresh cauliflower, broken into bite-size florets
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
2/3 cup finely chopped celery
2/3 cup finely chopped onion

2 cups cheese crackers, (we like Cheez-its), coarsely crushed
1/3 cup melted butter

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Mix the broccoli and cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl; add a cup of water, cover, and microwave 5 minutes.
3. Remove from the microwave, drain, and sprinkle with the salt.
4. Spread the vegetables evenly over the bottom of a shallow 9” x 13" glass baking dish.
5. Mix the mayonnaise, cheese, celery, and onion; spread over the vegetables.
6. Toss the crackers with the butter and sprinkle evenly over the mayonnaise mixture.
7. Bake 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 308 Calories from Fat 236
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 76% Protein 7% Carb. 16%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 26 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Cholesterol 35 mg
Sodium 480 mg
Total Carbohydrate 13 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 17% Vitamin C 80% Calcium 0% Iron 6%