Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko style)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

2. 2

   Prepare Vegetables: Chop or dice about 2 cups of mixed winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces and lightly steam them until just tender but still crisp. This helps avoid soggy casserole.

3. 3

   Make Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can (10.5 oz) of low-fat cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup whole milk or plant-based milk. Stir until smooth.

4. 4

   Season Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to the sauce mixture. Mix well to integrate the flavors.

5. 5

   Combine Ingredients: Add the steamed winter vegetables and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.

6. 6

   Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the vegetable-sauce mixture into a greased oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. 7

   Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

8. 8

   Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust when baked.

9. 9

   Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

10. 10

    Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for best texture.