Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, cooking for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if using, to add a crispy texture.
- 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.
- 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
