Description

This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It combines a medley of winter vegetables with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole makes an ideal wholesome meal or side dish for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

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

Sauce and Seasoning

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

Use a mix of your favorite hearty winter vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts for best flavor and texture.
Thoroughly drain vegetables to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
Substitute plant-based milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or beans into the filling.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable casserole, baked vegetable dish, easy casserole recipe, low-fat casserole