Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting dish that highlights the best of seasonal veggies in a rich cheese sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main course on chilly days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Wash and chop the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Steam the vegetables for 5–7 minutes until just tender.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Place the steamed vegetables in a large bowl and pour the cheese sauce over them. Gently combine until the vegetables are evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding cooked pearl onions or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Use part-skim milk for a lighter sauce, but whole milk creates a creamier result.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
• Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and prevent sogginess.

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 cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. Just thaw and drain any excess water before steaming or cooking to avoid a watery casserole.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Make sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheese if strict dietary restrictions apply.

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

This creamy winter vegetable casserole combines tender steamed cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots in a rich cheese sauce, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping and Garnish

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Steam Vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Steam them for 5–7 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape.
3. Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, cooking for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Season and Add Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for flavor. Then add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6. Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Place the steamed vegetables in a large bowl and pour the cheese sauce over them. Gently mix to coat all the veggies evenly.
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if using, to add a crispy texture.
8. Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden. For an extra crispy breadcrumb topping, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
9. Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Steaming the vegetables prevents overcooking during baking and keeps them tender-crisp.
• Using warm milk helps achieve a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch to the casserole.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk and reduce cheese quantity.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, broccoli cauliflower casserole, cheesy vegetable dish, comfort food casserole