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