Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe
A comforting and creamy winter vegetable casserole featuring a mix of seasonal vegetables baked with a luscious cream of mushroom soup base, topped with buttery breadcrumbs and melted cheese for a golden, crispy finish. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main during chilly months.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)
Casserole Base
- 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
- 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: If using fresh vegetables, steam or blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water. For frozen vegetables, fully thaw and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables with low-fat cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well so all vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the vegetable and cream mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving warm, enhancing the flavors and making it easier to portion.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetable mix depending on what’s in season or what you prefer.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and a non-dairy cheese substitute.
- To add protein, consider mixing in cooked beans or lentils before baking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy casserole, baked vegetable dish, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, seasonal vegetables