Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
This creamy winter vegetable casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables baked in a cheesy, creamy mushroom sauce topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a hearty side or main, it celebrates wholesome winter produce with warm, savory notes.
- 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
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed winter vegetables, such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
For the Casserole Base
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko style
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- 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.
- Prep Vegetables: If using fresh vegetables, steam or blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain them well to remove excess water. For frozen veggies, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the mixed vegetable filling into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and well coated. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the filling bubbles around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving warm. Enjoy your comforting winter vegetable casserole!
Notes
- You can customize the vegetable mix based on what’s in season or your preference.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, vegan cream of mushroom soup, and substitute cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
- To add more protein, consider mixing in cooked quinoa or lentils with the vegetable filling.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, cheesy casserole, comfort food, healthy vegetable dishes, baked vegetable recipe
