Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This creamy winter vegetable casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with hearty seasonal vegetables and topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust, it makes a satisfying side or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables, such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
• 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
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko style
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Step 2: Steam or blanch the fresh vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain well. If using frozen vegetables, thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spoon or spatula.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
• Swap cheddar for Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for a different taste and texture.
• For a richer casserole, replace the milk with half-and-half or cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crisp, or microwave in shorter intervals for convenience.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables other than the ones listed?

Yes, you can substitute with other winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, turnips, or green beans based on your preference and availability.

Is this casserole suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe isn’t vegan as written due to the cheese, butter, and cream of mushroom soup, but you can make it vegan by using plant-based cheese, dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and a vegan cream soup alternative.

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with nutritious winter vegetables like carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, it features a rich and creamy base made from low-fat cream of mushroom soup and milk, topped with a crispy buttery breadcrumb crust. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole offers a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy seasonal veggies.

• Author: Elena
• 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 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables, such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

Base and Sauce

• 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

Topping

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko style
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep Vegetables: If using fresh vegetables, steam or blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain well to remove excess moisture. If using frozen vegetables, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared vegetables, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the vegetables are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
4. Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spoon or spatula to create a uniform layer.
5. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy topping.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the topping turns a golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, indicating the casserole is heated through and perfectly cooked.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly for easier serving. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting winter vegetable casserole.

Notes

• You can customize this casserole with your favorite winter vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Using panko breadcrumbs will give a lighter, crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Make sure to dry the vegetables well before combining to prevent a watery casserole.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy casserole, baked vegetable dish, healthy casserole, low fat casserole, winter veggies recipe