Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This creamy winter vegetable casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with a variety of seasonal vegetables and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. It makes a wonderful side or vegetarian main.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables, such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
• 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
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko style
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Step 2: Steam or blanch fresh vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain well. If using frozen vegetables, thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spoon or spatula.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite winter vegetables for varied textures and flavors.
• Swap cheddar or Gruyère for mozzarella or a plant-based cheese for a different taste.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the filling for extra warmth and depth.
• To make it vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan cream soup, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking and bake from frozen by adding extra cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other soups besides cream of mushroom?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives, but they may alter the flavor slightly. For a vegetarian or vegan option, choose an appropriate plant-based soup.

How do I make sure the vegetables don’t get too mushy?

Steam or blanch the vegetables just until tender, not fully cooked, before baking. Also, avoid overcooking the casserole in the oven by checking it near the end of the recommended baking time.

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 81 reviews

This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring a medley of steamed winter vegetables mixed with a creamy mushroom soup base, cheddar or Gruyère cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for chilly days, it provides a flavorful way to enjoy seasonal vegetables in a satisfying casserole form.

• Author: Nora
• 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

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Vegetables

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)

Casserole Filling

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko style
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep Vegetables: Steam or blanch fresh mixed winter vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain well. If using frozen vegetables, thaw completely and pat dry to remove any excess moisture. This ensures the casserole isn’t watery.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables with low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
5. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well blended. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust once baked.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm. This helps the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• You can customize the vegetables based on what is available or preferred, but make sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
• For a richer flavor, substitute the milk with half-and-half or cream, but this will increase the fat content.
• This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
• To make dairy-free, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative and confirm the soup is dairy-free.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy casserole, baked vegetable dish, healthy vegetable casserole, low-fat casserole, comfort food, winter vegetables