Treat yourself to a deliciously comforting Creamy Vegetable Casserole. This dish combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots with a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy panko crust. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 pound cauliflower florets
- ½ pound baby carrots
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup shredded Italian blend cheese
- 1 cup pork rind panko crumbs, for topping (or regular panko crumbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam or blanch the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and baby carrots until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it releases its aroma. Stir in the cornstarch until well combined and cook for another minute.
- Create the Creamy Base: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes thick, which should take around 5 minutes. Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chili powder, and ground nutmeg, stirring to combine.
- Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded Italian blend cheese until melted and smooth. Add the steamed vegetables to the sauce, gently folding until they are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the pork rind panko crumbs (or regular panko crumbs) evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Presentation: Take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before plating and serving. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful vegetable casserole as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course.
Conclusion
This Creamy Vegetable Casserole is a delightful way to enjoy a medley of healthy vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. The crispy panko topping adds a wonderful texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!