When the temperature dips and you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and packed with feel-good flavors, this Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole is the perfect dish. It’s hearty without being heavy, with a luscious, creamy sauce that coats tender veggies and brings the whole dish together like a warm hug.
Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the holidays, or just want a comforting make-ahead meal, this casserole delivers every time. It’s endlessly versatile and works with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
What Kind of Vegetables Should I Use?
This casserole is a champion of flexibility. Use what you have, but favorites include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and green beans. Fresh or frozen both work, though blanching fresh vegetables beforehand ensures everything cooks evenly. Want to add leafy greens? Toss in some spinach or kale right before baking for an extra nutrient boost.
Ingredients for the Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
How To Make the Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
If using fresh vegetables, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then drain. If using frozen, let them thaw and drain excess moisture.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the prepared vegetables with the creamy sauce. Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 6: Add the Topping (Optional)
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if desired.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve and Store This Creamy Casserole
Serve your Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole straight from the oven with a crusty loaf of bread or as a hearty side dish alongside roast chicken or turkey. It’s also a fantastic vegetarian main when paired with a fresh salad.
To store, let the casserole cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
What dairy-free alternatives can I use?
Use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free cream or cheese substitute to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken, white beans, or cooked quinoa all make great additions.
What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?
Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Do I have to use the cracker topping?
Nope! It’s totally optional. Try toasted panko, French fried onions, or skip it altogether.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and a gluten-free breadcrumb or cracker topping.
Want More Casserole Ideas?
If you loved this Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole, you might enjoy these comfort-packed recipes too:
- Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese for a retro classic with a creamy upgrade.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you’re craving cheesy comfort.
- Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole for a weeknight favorite with a creamy kick.
- Nutella French Toast Casserole if you’re switching gears to sweet.
- The Ultimate Taco Casserole when you want bold Tex-Mex flavor.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so it’s ready for chilly nights or holiday sides.
Did you add mushrooms? Maybe a pinch of nutmeg? I’d love to hear how you personalized it. Share your version in the comments or tag me on Pinterest: Nina Dishes.
Let’s keep swapping ideas and cozy dishes all season long.
Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender vegetables in a rich, velvety cream sauce and finished with a golden topping. Perfect as a main dish or hearty side, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any night of the week or special occasion.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup green beans, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. If using fresh vegetables, blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until just tender, then drain. If using frozen, let them thaw and drain excess moisture.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the prepared vegetables with the creamy sauce. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if desired.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Blanching fresh vegetables keeps them crisp-tender in the final bake.
For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
To add protein, mix in cooked shredded chicken or canned white beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pan)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: creamy vegetable casserole, cozy casserole, vegetarian comfort food
