Print

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.1 from 63 reviews

A comforting and creamy winter vegetable casserole featuring cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots smothered in a rich cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings and makes a delightful side or vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

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

Cheese 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Steam the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender but still firm to maintain texture.
  3. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warm whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then stir in garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add Cheese: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is 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 combine to coat all the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the vegetable and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top if using for added crispiness.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Steaming vegetables just until tender ensures they don’t become mushy after baking.
  • Using warm milk helps prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
  • Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch and contrast in texture.
  • You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, broccoli cauliflower casserole, cheesy vegetable casserole, vegetarian casserole

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-winter-vegetable-casserole-recipe/