Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
