Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Veggie Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender vegetables. The sauce brings together the richness of cheese and the savory depth of garlic and herbs, while the veggies provide texture and natural sweetness. This dish is super versatile, allowing you to use seasonal veggies or leftovers from your fridge. It’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals, and it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a vegetarian main dish. Plus, it’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and is perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and peas)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • If you’re using fresh vegetables, steam or blanch them until tender but still firm, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen vegetables, just thaw them and drain any excess moisture.

  • Place the cooked vegetables in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.

4. Combine the Vegetables and Sauce:

  • Add the sauce mixture to the bowl of vegetables and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

  • Pour the veggie and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. You can also broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time to get a crispier topping, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

7. Serve:

  • Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6 servings

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 30-35 minutes

  • Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Different Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes are great additions. Just make sure to cook or steam them before adding them to the casserole.

  • Add Protein: For added protein, you can mix in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or beans.

  • Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

  • Make It Lighter: Swap the mayo for a lighter version, or use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat option. You can also reduce the cheese or use a lighter cheese like mozzarella.

  • Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese, mayonnaise, and yogurt alternatives for a vegan-friendly version of this casserole.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed. If you want to freeze it, follow the same steps but freeze before baking.

How do I make this casserole more creamy?

To make the casserole creamier, you can increase the amount of sour cream or mayo in the sauce. You can also add a splash of milk or heavy cream for extra richness.

Can I make this dish without the cheese?

Yes, you can make this casserole without cheese for a lighter, dairy-free option. Just increase the amount of sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative. You could also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How do I make sure the casserole isn’t too watery?

If you’re using fresh vegetables, be sure to steam or blanch them before adding them to the casserole to prevent them from releasing too much moisture while baking. If using frozen vegetables, make sure to thaw and drain them well.

Conclusion

Veggie Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with delicious vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping. It’s an easy, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a vegetarian main course. With endless variations, this casserole can be tailored to your preferences, making it a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is a great addition to your meal rotation!

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Veggie Casserole

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Snack, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Veggie Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish filled with colorful vegetables, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This easy-to-make casserole is a great way to enjoy more vegetables and can be served as a side dish or vegetarian main course. With a rich, cheesy sauce and versatile ingredients, this casserole is perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

  • 3 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and peas)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

  • Prepare the Vegetables:

    • If using fresh vegetables, steam or blanch them for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain any excess moisture.

    • Add the cooked or thawed vegetables to a large mixing bowl and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce:

    • In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

  • Combine the Vegetables and Sauce:

    • Add the sauce mixture to the vegetables and stir gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce.

  • Assemble the Casserole:

    • Transfer the vegetable and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

    • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

  • Bake the Casserole:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crispier topping, but watch closely to prevent burning.

  • Serve:

    • Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and making it easier to cut into portions.

Notes

You can use any combination of vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. Just make sure to cook or steam them before adding them to the casserole.To add protein, mix in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or beans.For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the amount of cheese.To make this dish vegan, use dairy-free cheese, mayonnaise, and yogurt alternatives.

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