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Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole
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A warm and comforting Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole combining hearty root vegetables, winter greens, and a rich, velvety sauce topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a centerpiece or side dish for winter meals, this recipe is easy to prepare, nutrient-packed, and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Root Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

Winter Greens

  • 2 cups kale or Swiss chard, roughly chopped

Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream or plant-based alternative
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • ½ cup additional grated cheese

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Peel and chop carrots, parsnips, and potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Roughly chop kale or Swiss chard. Mince the onions and garlic to build the flavor foundation.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add minced onions and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped root vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until they start to soften.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated cheese, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  4. Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish: Mix the sautéed vegetables and greens with the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, smooth the top, then sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional cheese over the surface to create a golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let cool slightly (about 10 minutes) before serving to allow flavors to settle and the texture to set.

Notes

  • Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
  • Pre-cooking vegetables by sautéing intensifies flavor and improves texture.
  • Use melting cheeses like cheddar or gruyere for a smooth sauce.
  • You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up and enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Winter casserole, creamy vegetable casserole, comfort food, gluten free casserole, hearty vegetable dish

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/creamy-winter-vegetable-casserole/