vegetable casserole recipe

What is a vegetable Casserole Recipe? It’s the kind that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like a hug from Grandma (hence the name). Forget those bland, watery casseroles you might have encountered. This one is bursting with flavor, packed with fresh veggies, and unbelievably creamy. If you love cheesy baked pasta, just imagine that, but with a healthy and vibrant twist. Is it a weeknight lifesaver and potluck superstar all rolled into one?

What is Grandma’s Garden Delight?

Think of it as a warm, comforting hug in the dish. Grandma’s Garden Delight is essentially a medley of your favorite vegetables, nestled in an incredibly rich, creamy, chocolate-covered dish. What are some of the best recipes for baked potatoes? What’s the best way to sneak in veggies even for pickiest eaters? My nephew hates broccoli and devours it! My Grandma Rose used to use fresh vegetables from her garden to make her name. The name came from the fact that she always used vegetables fresh from their garden for her meals. I don’t know why, but I do know that my grandmother Rose had Is it possible to make it yourself, though store bought works just as well? It’s simple, honest, and so, so satisfying.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can truly customize it to your liking and use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Flavor: The creamy sauce is the star, perfectly seasoned and unbelievably rich. It coats every single vegetable, making each bite a burst of savory goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every mouthful.
Simplicity: Don’t let the impressive taste fool you – this is surprisingly easy to make! It only takes a few steps, and most of the time is hands-off while it’s baking. I always prep the veggies while the oven is preheating, and it streamlines the whole process.
Cost-efficiency: This vegetable casserole recipe uses affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables that might otherwise go to waste.
Versatility: As I said, feel free to swap out the vegetables to your liking. You can also add cooked chicken or ham to make it a complete meal. This is truly one of the best casserole recipe to put your spin on.
It reminds me a bit of a potato gratin, but lighter and brighter. If you love dishes that are creamy and comforting, you HAVE to try this.
How do I make my grandma’s garden delectable?
Quick Overview
How do I make Grandma’s Garden Delight? What are some good ways to make a creamy sauce for your favorite veggies? Bake until golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven. How do you cook vegetables? You want them to retain some of their texture and color. What is the easiest vegetable Casserole Recipe? I know you’ll nail it!
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Medley:
* 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Fresh or frozen works! If using frozen, thaw and drain well.) * 1 cup carrots. I like to use the pre-shredded ones for convenience. * 1 cup cauliflower florets, similar size to broccoli. * 1 cup Green Beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. * 1/2 cup chopped onion. Yellow or white onion is perfect. * 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen peas, thawed. * 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped *1 yellow pepper. *
What is the Creamy Sauce?
* 1/2 cup butter. I always use unsalted so I can control the amount of salt. * 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
3 cups milk. Whole milk is good for a richer sauce, but 2% works too. I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch, and it’s surprisingly good! * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always better! * 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. * 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar gives it a nice kick, but mild works well too.
Optional Topping:
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Panko Breadcrumbs are my go-to for extra crunch. * 2 tablespoons melted butter.
What are the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always grease the dish really well to prevent sticking – nobody likes a casserole stuck to the bottom of the pan. I just want to make sure it doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Steam or Blanch Vegetables
Is it safe to steam broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and Green Beans? Do you want them to be mushy? Steaming helps them retain their vibrant colors. Is it possible to roast vegetables in the oven? I’ve tried both methods and love them equally.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Peppers
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, until they are slightly tender. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. What is the best way to make a creamy sauce? I use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the onion powder, salt, pepper, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine. Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar. How do you make a cheddar cheese sauce? I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to my soup.
Step 6: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the steamed/blanched vegetables, the sautéed onion and peppers, thawed and cooled. Serve warm. Is the creamy cheese sauce the same as the peas? Stir gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
Step 7: Pour into Baking Dish
How do you spread the vegetable mixture in a baking dish?
Step 8: Add Topping (Optional)
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Set aside. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. What is the best way to make a golden crust?
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is browned. Top is golden brown and bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This vegetable Casserole Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.What is a good weeknight dinner?What are some good ways to grilled chicken breast or pork chop? It balances out the richness of the casserole with some lean protein. What is a good side salad?For a Holiday Feast: What is the bestWhat is a great side dish for Thanksgiving? Is it good for roasting ham or turkey?What is a vegetarian meal?Serve it alongside a hearty lentil soup or bread. What makes a good casserole?For Brunch:A smaller portion alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata. I served it as a side at Easter brunch and it was incredibly good!
How do I make my grandma’s garden tasteful?
What are some tips for making a vegetable casserole?Vegetable PrepMake sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. What do you like about crunchy carrots and mushy broccoli?Cheese:What are some examples of cheese in a sauce? What are some good ways to add a little Parmesan to your meal?Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to cook it over low heat until it thickens up.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes would be delicious additions. If you are using zucchini or spinach, it’s best to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking and adjust the baking time as needed. Every oven is different, so it might take a little longer or shorter to bake.

Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra flavorful topping, try using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of paprika adds a nice color and smoky flavor.
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed crackers work great too.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your casserole delicious for days:

Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I’ve found that freezing individual portions is super convenient for meal prepping.

Reheating: To reheat the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture might be a little softer. For microwaving, make sure to remove the breadcrumb topping so it doesn’t get soggy.

Glaze Timing Advice: I prefer to add the breadcrumb topping right before baking, even if I’ve stored the casserole in the fridge or freezer. This ensures that the topping stays nice and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping, or omit the topping altogether.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

No, you don’t need to peel the carrots. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly. I personally prefer the texture of unpeeled carrots in this casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through. This is a total lifesaver when I’m prepping for a party!

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

You can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of cheeses.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, ham, or sausage would be delicious additions. Just add them to the vegetable mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Garden Delight isn’t just a recipe; it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of a home-cooked meal, the satisfaction of sneaking in those extra veggies, and the joy of sharing something delicious with the people you love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I hope you give this recipe a try. If you love this sort of dish, I think you’d really get a kick out of my scalloped potatoes recipe too. It’s a bit of a spin off on this dish!

Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what vegetables you used. And if you loved this recipe, please give it a rating and share it with your friends. Happy baking!

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