Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
This creamy winter vegetable casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring a blend of tender steamed winter vegetables baked in a savory mushroom cream sauce topped with a golden buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it combines hearty flavors with a cheesy, crunchy finish.
- 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 (carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts), diced
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 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 oil to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Prep Vegetables: Steam or blanch the fresh winter vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove any excess moisture.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the prepared vegetables with the low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the vegetable and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly using a spoon or spatula.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving warm. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to thicken slightly.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and cheese alternative.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable mix according to availability or preference; root vegetables and cruciferous vegetables work best.
- To add extra protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, turkey, or beans before baking.
- Ensure the vegetables are well drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Winter Vegetable Casserole, Creamy Vegetable Casserole, Baked Vegetable Dish, Comfort Food, Vegetable Casserole Recipe
