Comforting Creamy Veggie Casserole
This Creamy Veggie Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly night. Packed with veggies—think broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, corn, and peas—all baked together in a cheesy, creamy sauce that’s just plain comforting. And let’s talk about that crispy fried onion topping; it adds the perfect crunch that balances all that smooth, cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, filling, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether for family dinners or just a cozy night in, this casserole brings everyone back for seconds!
Servings
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 c heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- pinch of white pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp celery salt
- 2 c frozen cauliflower
- 2 c frozen broccoli
- 4 c frozen mixed vegetables carrots, corn, peas, etc.
- 1 c sour cream
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 2 c French fried onions
- fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Get the Oven Ready: Go ahead and set your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when you need it.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk it for a minute or two until you get a light golden color. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to keep it smooth. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until you see it start to thicken up nicely. Add in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery salt. Give everything a good stir, then take it off the heat and whisk in the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar until it’s nice and creamy.
- Put It All Together: Pour the frozen cauliflower, broccoli, and mixed veggies into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the veggies and gently stir everything together so the sauce coats every bit.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top, followed by the French fried onions. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Take it out of the oven, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it up warm and enjoy that cozy, creamy goodness!
Notes
To make this casserole gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour in the sauce for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (just use a little less if using cornstarch). And check your French fried onions; some brands contain gluten, but there are gluten-free options available! With these small changes, you’ll have a comforting, gluten-free casserole that’s just as creamy, delicious, and packed with flavor as the original.