Cheesy Crunchy Vegetable Casserole
This Cheesy Crunchy Vegetable Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together a delightful medley of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with crispy French fried onions and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty side for any meal. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a simple yet satisfying way to enhance your vegetable intake while treating your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) (No preparation needed, use directly from the can.)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (No preparation needed, use directly.)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed, use directly.)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed, use directly.)
Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 cups (Shred if using block cheese, or use pre-shredded cheese.)
Frozen Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Mix
3 packages (16 ounces each) (No preparation needed, use directly from the freezer.)
French Fried Onion Rings
1 can (2 7/8 ounces) (No preparation needed, use directly from the can.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
4
In a large 9x13 inch baking dish, spread out the frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower mix evenly.
5
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the vegetables, ensuring all the veggies are well-coated. Gently mix with a spatula to combine.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
7
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onion rings evenly on top.
8
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden and crispy.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve immediately for maximum crispiness!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Crunchy Vegetable Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish featuring a medley of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar and crispy French fried onions.
What vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 16-ounce packages of a frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower mix.
Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables before baking?
No, you can use the frozen vegetables directly from the freezer; no thawing is required before assembly.
What kind of soup is used for the base?
The base of the sauce is made using one 10.75-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of broccoli soup can be used as alternatives.
What role does mayonnaise play in the recipe?
Mayonnaise is mixed with the soup to create a rich, creamy consistency for the vegetable sauce.
Can I use a low-fat substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt, though it may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
What spices are used to season the casserole?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish should I use?
A large 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How long does the casserole bake initially?
The vegetable and sauce mixture should bake for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
When do I add the French fried onion rings?
The onion rings are added as a topping after the initial 35-40 minutes of baking.
How long do the onion rings bake?
Once the onions are added, the dish is returned to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the vegetables and sauce in the dish ahead of time, but wait to add the onion topping until the final minutes of baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the texture of the cream sauce and vegetables may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
The casserole provides 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, adding cooked chicken or ham would make this a more substantial main course.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should steam or blanch them briefly before baking to ensure they reach the proper tenderness.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients.
How do I know the casserole is finished?
It is ready when the sauce is bubbly, the vegetables are fork-tender, and the onion topping is golden brown.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder with 1 or 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
What type of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for the best flavor, but any meltable cheese like Monterey Jack will work.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, as standard cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions typically contain wheat flour.
What are some suggested pairings for this dish?
It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or can be served as a heavy vegetarian side for holiday meals.