Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole combines tender cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots in a rich, cheesy sauce made from a homemade roux and melted cheddar and Parmesan. Steamed vegetables are enveloped in the creamy sauce, topped with optional golden breadcrumbs, baked until bubbly and lightly crisp, then garnished with fresh parsley for a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Steam Vegetables: Wash and cut the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Steam the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender but still retain some firmness.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook together for 1 to 2 minutes, forming a roux that will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk to Roux: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk to the roux to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Then add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted into the sauce.
- Combine with Vegetables: Place the steamed vegetables in a large bowl and pour the cheese sauce over them. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the vegetables in the creamy sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the vegetable and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs evenly on top if using, which will create a crisp golden crust.
- Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken further. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Steaming vegetables just until tender helps retain their texture and nutrients.
- Using warm milk when making the roux-based sauce prevents lumps from forming.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk, though it may slightly affect creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
Keywords: Creamy winter vegetable casserole, broccoli cauliflower casserole, cheesy vegetable bake, baked vegetable casserole, comfort food, winter side dish, vegetarian casserole
