Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Nutritious and Filling – A rainbow of vegetables offers vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Easy to Customize – Use your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
- Perfect for All Occasions – Weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday sides.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce (Base):
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesancheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Par-Cook the Vegetables:
- Steam or blanch the vegetables (except garlic and onion) for about 3–5 minutes until just tender.
- Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and cheese (if using). Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine vegetables and sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
5. Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the vegetables before baking—they should still have a little bite.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling main dish.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: Use just broccoli and cheddar with a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
- Southwest Veggie Bake: Add corn, black beans, jalapeño, and taco seasoning.
- Mediterranean Style: Include artichokes, olives, and feta cheese.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Add topping before baking.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
This Simple and Delicious Vegetable Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish: warm, creamy, full of texture, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy a medley of vegetables while keeping things easy, tasty, and family-friendly. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or bringing it to your next gathering, it’s bound to earn rave reviews.