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Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

4.6 from 62 reviews

A comforting and creamy winter vegetable casserole featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables baked in a savory mushroom cream sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a hearty side or vegetarian main dish during the colder months.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups mixed winter vegetables, such as diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese

Topping

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

Seasonings

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Prep Vegetables: If using fresh vegetables, steam or blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain well to avoid excess moisture. If using frozen vegetables, thaw completely and pat dry to remove any water.
  3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables with the low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly so that every piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula to create a uniform layer.
  5. Add Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to form a golden crunchy topping.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, indicating it is thoroughly heated.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving warm, which helps the casserole set and enhances the flavors.

Notes

  • You can customize the vegetable mix based on what you have available or prefer, just keep the total around 2 cups.
  • For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute.
  • To add protein, consider stirring in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or cooked chicken before baking.
  • Breadcrumb topping can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Steaming or blanching the vegetables first helps to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender after baking.

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, mushroom soup casserole, winter vegetables, baked vegetable casserole, cheesy vegetable bake