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creamy vegetable casserole

Creamy Vegetable Casserole: A Cozy, Comforting Delight

This creamy vegetable casserole is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal while embracing the goodness of vegetables!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil A healthy fat for sautéing and enhancing flavors.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Adds sweetness; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 medium Carrots Bring sweetness and vibrant color; baby carrots work great whole.
  • 2 stalks Celery Provides crunch and flavor; swap with fennel for a unique twist.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Essential for depth of flavor; fresh minced garlic is ideal.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Our star ingredient for nutrition and crunch; green beans are a good substitute.
  • 2 cups Cauliflower Florets Offers creaminess and bulk; zucchini can substitute in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Convenient and sweet; no thawing needed!
For the Cream Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Used in both the sauce and topping for richness.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce; gluten-free flour works as an alternative.
  • 2 cups Milk Brings creaminess; opt for whole or 2% milk, or use almond for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth Adds depth; chicken broth is a great swap for a non-vegetarian option.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Introduces a tangy kick to the sauce; yellow mustard can substitute if necessary.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Elevates the flavor profile; optional but highly recommended.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Infuses richness into the sauce; dairy-free cream cheese is a fine alternative.
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Provides melty goodness; freshly grated is best.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Gives a crispy texture; regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the crunch will differ.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty flavor to the topping; nutritional yeast can be a vegan substitute.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, broccoli, and cauliflower, stirring for another 5-7 minutes until everything is tender-crisp. Fold in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper before setting aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually pour in milk and vegetable broth while whisking. Allow the mixture to thicken for about 5-7 minutes; it should be creamy and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar until fully incorporated.
  3. Once your creamy sauce is ready, fold the sautéed vegetables into the cheese sauce until coated. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, then pour the vegetable-sauce mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top.
  4. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
  5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and toast the flour slightly in butter before adding to the sauce.

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