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

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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.