Print

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole
Print Recipe

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender seasonal winter vegetables enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for cold days, this casserole combines the earthy sweetness of root vegetables with creamy indulgence, offering a flexible, easy-to-make meal that’s ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Winter Vegetables

  • 2 cups carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups parsnips, chopped
  • 2 cups butternut squash, chopped
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

Cream Sauce Base

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 3 cups milk or cream (or plant-based alternative for dairy-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese, shredded

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Vegetables: Wash and chop all winter vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Parboil denser roots like carrots and parsnips for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly for even baking.
  2. Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually add milk or cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency. Season with minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine Vegetables and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, pour the prepared cream sauce over the vegetables. Fold gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Assemble and Top: Transfer the vegetable and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then add a layer of breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese melts, the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown, and the sauce bubbles around the edges.

Notes

  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent mushiness.
  • Cook the roux properly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor complexity.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
  • For an extra crunchy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable bake, comfort food, gluten-free casserole, seasonal vegetables

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