3 Side Dish Ideas: Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, Teriyaki Sweet Potatoes, and Dijon Mustard Oven-Roasted Potatoes & Veggies

I thought I would post a few simple side dishes that all of you might like to try. I love simple meals, especially on the week days when we have both been working hard all day. I wantmy meals to be healthy, taste good, and not require a ton of time in the kitchen. It's so easy to buy the packaged, processed crap in the store, but it really is better to make your side dishes from scratch. You get to control what you put in the dish and it is not loaded with unhealthy ingredients that most of us don't even know how to pronounce, much less know what they are.

These are three dishes that we make quite often in our house. They make a lot of food and they all reheat really well. One tip I will give you is make a large version of these recipes and then just reheat some each night with your main entree. It reduces the time you have to be in the kitchen after work.

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Serves 8
Adapted from: http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Vegetables/Broccoli-Cauliflower-Casserole.aspx

Ingredients:
1/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated light parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons light stick butter - melted
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick italian seasoning
1 package frozen broccoli florets - thawed
1 package frozen cauliflower florets - thawed
OR
1 extra large bag of broccoli and cauliflower florets mixed bag
2 tablespoons light stick butter
1 cup diced sweet yellow onion
2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour or all purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 cups skim milk
4 ounces or 1/2 package reduced fat or fat free cream cheese

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-In a bowl, add breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning. Set aside.
-In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter and melt on medium high heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes or until they are tender.
-Add your flour, 1 teaspoon italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
-Add your milk and cook until the mixture is bubbly and thickened.
-Add your cream cheese and remaining parmesan cheese and mix well.
-Toss your vegetables with the melted cheese sauce
-In a 2 quart baking dish, spray nonstick cooking spray and pour your veggie/cheese mix into the baking dish.
-Sprinkle the contents of the first bowl you set aside on top of the veggies.
-Bake 30-40 minutes. Top will be slightly browned and the mixture will be completely melted and delicious looking.

*Suggestions:
-This side dish goes really well with ham or pork chops.

Enjoy! :)