Okay, let’s be honest, a LOT of peopleWhat is a vegetable casserole recipe?What is the most exciting thing in the world? What is a good, mushy casserole? What is the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and cozy inside, like getting a hug from your best friend. What is my all-time favorite comfort food? What are some good veggies to eat with cheese? What is the secret behind the perfect blend of vegetables and sauce?
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What is a vegetable casserole?
Think of this What is a vegetable casserole recipe?As a warm, comforting hug in the dish. What is a medley of tender vegetables baked in cheesy sauce? Is it a fancy, complicated thing? What is comfort food made with fresh or frozen veggies? My Grandma used to make this every Thanksgiving (along with approximately fifty other dishes!). She always said it was a way to get everyone to eat their vegetables, even the pickiest eaters. How did it work? What is my version of her classic recipe, with a few tweaks to make it even easier to cook. What makes this a more flavorful
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why is there so many reasons for this.What is a vegetable casserole recipe?Is this a winner? The combination of the creamy sauce, the tender vegetables, and the perfectly browned topping is wonderful. Is this a symphony of flavors?
What makes this casserole so good? Is it impossible to mess up? What is my go-to dish for a busy weeknight? What’s a good way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge? What is the best way to reduce food waste?
What are some of the best recipes for a casserole? Can you use frozen vegetables to keep the cost down, and the other ingredients are things you can buy. What do you have in your pantry? Is it a win-win
Is it super versatile? Can you customize it by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices? Feel free to make your own! Is it gluten free to use gluten-free flour in a sauce? I’ve tried so many variations, but this version, I think, is the best! Is it better than my aunt’s squash casserole?
How do I make this Vegetable Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this What is a vegetable casserole recipe?What’s the recipe for making a creamy sauce? Golden brown and bubbly. What happens in the oven? What is a comforting masterpiece? Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long ingredient list. Most of it is stuff you probably already have on hand, and the steps are all super simple. I can handle this!
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Mix:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 2 cups cauliflower florets
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
* 1 cup sliced carrots (fresh or frozen)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
What is the best olive oil to use? What are some interesting things to try with vegetables? Sometimes I add zucchini or mushrooms, depending on what I have on hand.
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 3 cups milk (I prefer whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too.) I’ve used almond milk in a pinch!
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
What makes the sauce so rich? How do you whisk the flour into the melted butter? What is the importance of cheese? I always use Parmesan and cheddar for the best flavor.
For the Topping:
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (I like to use panko breadcrumb for extra crunch)
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How do I make Panko breadcrumbs? What are some good substitutes for breadcrumbs?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use butter for greasing the pan. It just adds a little extra flavor. Can you use cooking spray?
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the peas, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Don’t overcook the vegetables at this stage. You want them to still have a little bit of bite.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure all the vegetables are coated in the sauce. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly coated. This topping is what gives the casserole that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I always let it rest for about 10 minutes. It helps the sauce to set up a bit.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot sauce! Plus, it gives the casserole a chance to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of parsley just makes it look a little more fancy!
What to Serve It With
This vegetable casserole recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:
As a Side Dish:
This casserole is the perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. It also goes well with fish or tofu. Basically, it’s a great side dish for just about anything! My family always has it with Thanksgiving dinner, alongside the turkey and stuffing. It’s just not Thanksgiving without it!
As a Main Course:
For a vegetarian meal, serve this casserole with a side salad and some crusty bread. You can also add some cooked quinoa or lentils to the casserole for extra protein. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
For a Potluck:
This casserole is always a hit at potlucks. It’s easy to transport and can be served hot or at room temperature. Just be sure to bring a serving spoon!
For Leftovers:
This casserole is even delicious the next day! Just reheat it in the microwave or oven. I sometimes add a fried egg on top for a quick and easy breakfast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Vegetable Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making this vegetable casserole recipe even better. Here are my top tips:
Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want them to still have a little bit of bite. Overcooked vegetables will be mushy and less flavorful.
Use good quality cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in the sauce, so use the best quality you can afford. I always use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for the best flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables: This casserole is very versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach all work well. I had one version where I added some leftover green beans, and it was surprisingly delicious.
Use panko breadcrumbs for the topping: Panko breadcrumbs get extra crispy in the oven. If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the topping won’t be quite as crunchy.
Add a little bit of spice: If you like a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It adds a nice kick!
Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the foil and bake as directed.
Try different cheeses in the sauce: Switch up the cheddar and parmesan to include gouda, Gruyere, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This vegetable casserole recipe stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:
Storing in the Refrigerator:
Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped, or the top can get a little dried out.
Freezing:
To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the wrapping and bake as directed.
Reheating:
To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it won’t be quite as crispy.
Adding the topping later: I sometimes freeze the casserole without the topping and then add a fresh topping before baking. This helps keep the topping nice and crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This vegetable casserole recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a warm, comforting hug from my Grandma, and I’m so happy to share it with you. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a holiday gathering. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally customizable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you can totally nail this recipe! If you love this, you might also like my recipe for cheesy scalloped potatoes (another family favorite!).
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy baking!
Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, chopped
- 0.5 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.25 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine carrots, potatoes, green beans, and broccoli.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cheddar cheese and milk.
- Pour cheese sauce over vegetables and stir to coat.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over casserole.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and topping is golden brown.
