Looking for a delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner? This Mustard Broccoli and Cauliflower bake is the ultimate easy vegetable recipe that comes together in minutes. By cooking this creamy, cheesy casserole as an air fryer side dish, you get perfectly tender veggies with a rich flavor profile in just half the time of a traditional oven bake.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
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15.0 oz (425 g) broccoli florets
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10.0 oz (283 g) cauliflower florets
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1.0 leek, chopped
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2.0 spring onions, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to the taste
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2.0 oz (57 g) butter, melted
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2.0 tbsp mustard
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1.0 cup sour cream
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5.0 oz (142 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
- In a baking pan that fits the air fryer, add the butter and spread it well.
- Add the broccoli, cauliflower, and the rest of the ingredients except the mozzarella and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top, introduce the pan in the air fryer, and cook at 380 degrees F for 20.0 minutes.
- Divide between plates and serve as a side dish.
Nutrition
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242 Calories
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13.0 g Fat
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2.0 g Fiber
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8.0 g Protein
Pro Tips for Success
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Uniform Sizing: Cut your broccoli and cauliflower florets into similar sizes (about 1 to 1.5 inches). This ensures they cook evenly so you don’t end up with some mushy pieces and some raw ones.
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Prevent Burnt Cheese: 20 minutes at 380°F is a long time for cheese to be directly under the heating element. For a perfectly gooey melt, try covering the pan with foil for the first 10 minutes, or simply hold off on adding the shredded mozzarella until the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.
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Moisture Control: If you are washing fresh vegetables, pat them completely dry before mixing with the butter and sour cream. If you substitute frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them thoroughly first; otherwise, the sauce may become watery.
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Check the Airflow: Make sure the baking pan you use leaves at least an inch of space on all sides within your air fryer basket. Air fryers rely on circulating hot air; if the pan fits too tightly, the bottom and center of the dish won’t cook properly.
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Mustard Choice: For a smoother sauce with a sharp kick, use Dijon mustard. If you prefer a milder flavor with a bit of texture, a whole grain mustard is a great alternative.
Common FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower? Yes, you can. However, frozen vegetables release significantly more water than fresh ones. To prevent the sauce from becoming watery, thaw the florets completely and pat them dry (or squeeze out excess liquid) before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Can I make this in a regular oven instead of an air fryer? Absolutely. If you don’t have an air fryer, preheat your standard oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the dish for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What can I substitute for sour cream? If you don’t have sour cream, full-fat plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent 1:1 substitute. For a richer flavor, you can also use softened cream cheese or heavy whipping cream, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. You can also microwave it, though the cheese may lose some of its crispness.
Is this recipe Keto-friendly? Yes! With low-carb vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, combined with high-fat ingredients like butter, sour cream, and cheese, this dish fits perfectly into a Keto or low-carb diet.
Sticking to your macros has never tasted this good. This Mustard Broccoli and Cauliflower bake is the ultimate Keto-friendly side dish, delivering satisfying high-fat creaminess with low-carb veggies. Whether you are meal prepping or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this air fryer recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay in ketosis. Give it a try tonight, and let me know in the comments if this has become your new favorite low-carb staple!
