Easy Garlic Butter Broccoli Caulifower Side Dish Recipe

This recipe is the perfect fix for veggie lovers. Broccoli and cauliflower with fresh herb butter are healthy, satisfying, and delicious. This low-calorie side is a great addition to any meal.

Broccoli and cauliflower are the perfect pairing, and they can make such great side dishes. We love this simple side dish because it’s packed with a surprising amount of flavor – and it’s so easy to make!

How to Make Cauliflower and Broccoli with Fresh Herb Butter

Cauliflower and broccoli are often confused because of their similar appearance and texture. However, because of their minor differences, they pair very well together.

This recipe combines popular vegetables with a fresh herb butter that adds unique flavor to the dish. So why not introduce this recipe to your whole family?

Are broccoli and cauliflower related?

Broccoli and cauliflower belong to the plant family Brassicaceae with cabbage and sprouts, but have notable differences.

Broccoli is a green color and tastes more like a traditional “green” vegetable, while cauliflower is an off-white color and tastes sweeter.

There are also three types of broccoli, while there are four types of cauliflower.

What to serve with broccoli and cauliflower?

Traditionally, the best meat to serve with broccoli and cauliflower is beef. Most people pair beef with broccoli and cauliflower in a stir fry.

However, this side can also be paired with steak, chicken or fish.

Many people will also use broccoli and cauliflower in salads with beans, nuts, fruit, and so on.

Is cauliflower or broccoli better for you?

Both are low in calories and full of important vitamins and minerals and very high in fiber. If you want a healthier menu on your table, then you can serve multiple nutritious veggies with the veggie platter recipe that I have been making.

Some say that broccoli contains more of essential nutrients, but both are important for a well-rounded diet.

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 Tablespoons snipped fresh chives
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups fresh cauliflower florets
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Instructions

1. Fill a stock pot with 8 to 10 cups of water. Place stock pot over high heat and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the water to boil. Add the cauliflower and boil for 2 minutes. Then, add the broccoli and continue boiling for 3 minutes. Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, use a fork to mash together the butter, chives, thyme, lemon peel, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently, stir in the butter mixture into the vegetables.

Can you freeze broccoli and cauliflower?

Yes – you can chop up broccoli and cauliflower, place it in a sealed container, and place it in the freezer.

They can stay in the freezer for short periods of time, but no longer than a month. The longer they are in the freezer, they will lose freshness and nutritional value.

Can broccoli and cauliflower be planted together?

Because they are in the same plant family, if they are planted together, they will attract pests that will deteriorate the plants and suck out all of the nutrients.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic
• Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
• Copycat Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
• Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon

This simple recipe will make some of the most well-known veggies even more delicious. The fresh ingredients and short cook time will make this dish a favorite again and again. You can also try my all-time favorite Longhorn Steakhouse crispy Brussels sprouts recipe because it goes well with any other dish.