Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots smothered in a rich cheese sauce, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

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 oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Wash and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Steam for 5–7 minutes until just tender.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted.
6. Step 6: Place steamed vegetables in a large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over and gently combine.
7. Step 7: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs if using.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.
9. Step 9: Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts or parsnips for added variety.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and cheese.
• Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give a subtle spicy kick to the cheese sauce.
• To ensure a smooth sauce, whisk continuously while adding the milk to avoid lumps.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the casserole creamy and prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly less crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this casserole?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Just thaw and drain them before steaming lightly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping.

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

A comforting and creamy winter vegetable casserole featuring tender cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots in a rich cheese sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. This baked dish is perfect for cozy family dinners during the colder months.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• 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 & Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare and steam vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Steam them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender but still firm to the bite.
3. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously to create a roux and eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk the warm milk into the roux. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Season and add cheese: Stir in garlic powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine vegetables and sauce: Transfer the steamed vegetables to a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and gently toss to evenly coat.
7. Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
8. Bake and broil: Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
9. Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• Steaming vegetables until just tender helps maintain their vibrant color and texture.
• Using warm milk prevents lumps in the cheese sauce.
• Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
• Broiling at the end should be monitored closely to prevent burning the topping.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, cheese vegetable casserole, cauliflower broccoli casserole, comfort food, vegetarian casserole