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Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole

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Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole – a comforting, cheesy baked vegetable casserole loaded with cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Finished with a golden breadcrumb topping, this cozy side dish is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any chilly evening!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Wash and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Steam for 5–7 minutes until just tender.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook 1–2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted.
  6. Place steamed vegetables in a large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over and gently combine.
  7. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs if using.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.
  9. Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the vegetables when steaming – they should be just tender as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
  • Warm the milk before adding to the roux – this prevents lumps and creates a smoother sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Add cooked chicken or ham for a complete one-dish meal.
  • Substitute Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for the cheddar for different flavor profiles.
  • Add 1/4 cup of crispy fried onions mixed with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months – thaw overnight before reheating.

Find it online: https://asilrecipes.com/creamy-winter-vegetable-casserole/