Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This creamy winter vegetable casserole is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce. Packed with tender vegetables and a cheesy, flavorful sauce, it makes a perfect side dish or light meal for chilly days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko style)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Step 2: Steam or blanch the fresh vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain well. If using frozen vegetables, thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Transfer the vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spoon or spatula.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or garlic to the vegetable mix before baking.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade white sauce to reduce sodium and add a personal touch.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to make this casserole gluten-free and add extra crunch.
• Mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the crispy topping. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the breadcrumb crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen mixed winter vegetables. Make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or a homemade vegan sauce, use plant-based milk, omit or replace the cheese with vegan cheese, and choose dairy-free butter or oil for the topping.

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

This creamy winter vegetable casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring a medley of tender steamed winter vegetables coated in a rich cream of mushroom sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese and a crispy buttery breadcrumb crust, this casserole is both hearty and satisfying. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal side or light main for cozy family meals.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Vegetables

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables, such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

Cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese

Topping

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko style
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep Vegetables: Steam or blanch your fresh winter vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, ensuring they remain crisp but cooked through. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the steamed or thawed vegetables with the low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spoon or spatula for consistent cooking.
5. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, indicating it is heated through.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly before serving warm.

Notes

• Use any combination of winter vegetables you prefer or have on hand; root vegetables like parsnips and carrots work particularly well.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use low-fat cheese options.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs and increase the butter slightly.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time; assemble and refrigerate before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
• To add protein, mix in cooked shredded chicken or cooked beans before baking.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, healthy casserole, comfort food, cheesy vegetable casserole, baked vegetable dish