Description
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower and broccoli rice dish that combines tender vegetable rice with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, perfect as a comforting low-carb side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Vegetable Rice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups cauliflower, riced
- 2 cups broccoli, riced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the vegetable rice.
- Cook vegetable rice: Add the riced cauliflower and broccoli to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are just tender, about 8-9 minutes.
- Prepare skillet for sauce: Transfer the cooked vegetable rice to a bowl. Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium heat on the stovetop to prepare for the cheese sauce.
- Make cheese sauce: Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon mustard powder until well blended. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Add cheese: Whisk in 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine rice and sauce: Return the cooked cauliflower and broccoli rice to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking the combined mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- To rice cauliflower and broccoli, pulse florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and melting consistency.
- This dish can be easily doubled for larger servings.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
