Comforting Creamy Veggie Casserole
Comforting Creamy Veggie Casserole is a rich, cheesy baked dish made with mixed vegetables in a creamy cheddar sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. It is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal or holiday side.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 2 cups frozen cauliflower
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables such as carrots, corn, peas, and similar vegetables
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 2 cups French fried onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In a saucepan or large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly golden.
Add the Cream
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Continue cooking for approximately 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
Season the Sauce
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, white pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery salt. Remove the pan from the heat, then whisk in the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Place the frozen cauliflower, frozen broccoli, and frozen mixed vegetables into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and stir until evenly coated.
Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the French fried onions over the top of the casserole. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the onions.
Bake
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Finish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten free, replace the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for thickening sauces. Also use certified gluten-free French fried onions, as traditional versions often contain wheat. Confirm that the sour cream, shredded cheese, seasonings, and frozen vegetable blends are gluten free, since some packaged products may contain additives or anti-caking ingredients with hidden gluten. If cross-contact is a concern, prepare the casserole using clean cookware and utensils and verify all labels carefully before use.