Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy a medley of seasonal vegetables. Combining steamed winter vegetables with a creamy mushroom soup base, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this baked dish is perfect for a cozy meal during the colder months.
- 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 (diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)
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
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Prep Vegetables: Steam or blanch fresh vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain well. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so all the vegetable pieces are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the dish for consistent cooking.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the vegetable filling to create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set slightly and makes serving easier. Serve warm for a comforting winter meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and a dairy-free butter alternative.
- The choice of vegetables can be customized based on what is available seasonally or to your preference.
- Using panko breadcrumbs will give a crunchier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Ensure vegetables are well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, baked vegetable casserole, cheesy vegetable casserole, healthy winter recipes
