Cheesy Vegetable Medley Bake
This Cheesy Vegetable Medley Bake is a delicious, hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Originally shared by a co-worker, this recipe has been a cherished favorite for over a decade. The dish brings together a delightful mix of textures and flavors with tender-crisp vegetables, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping. Quick and simple to prepare, it's sure to impress at any gathering.
12 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)
16 ounces (cooked until just tender)
cream of mushroom soup
8 ounces (mixed with mayonnaise/sour cream)
mayonnaise or sour cream
1 cup (mixed with soup)
small onion
1 (chopped)
grated cheese (mild cheddar)
8 ounces (reserved for layering)
Ritz crackers
4 ounces (crushed)
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (dotted on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Following the package instructions, cook the frozen mixed vegetables until they are just tender, but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise or sour cream until smooth and set aside.
4
In a buttered 9x13 inch casserole dish, spread a single layer of the cooked vegetables, half of the chopped onion, half of the soup mixture, and half of the grated cheese.
5
Repeat the layering process with the remaining vegetables, onions, soup mixture, and cheese, ensuring you finish with a layer of cheese on top.
6
Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top layer of cheese.
7
Cut the butter or margarine into small pieces and dot it across the top of the crushed crackers.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Vegetable Medley Bake?
It is a hearty and delicious vegetable casserole featuring a creamy sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
What vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables consisting of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
How many people does this dish serve?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for large families or gatherings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for best results.
Can I substitute mayonnaise for sour cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of mayonnaise or 1 cup of sour cream to be mixed with the soup.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of grated mild cheddar cheese, but you can use other melting cheeses if preferred.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but be sure to blanch or steam them until they are just tender before assembling the dish.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Crush 4 ounces of Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the top cheese layer, then dot with 1/4 cup of butter.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as long as the cream of mushroom soup used does not contain meat-based broths.
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance and store the dish in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
How should I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can the Cheesy Vegetable Medley Bake be frozen?
You can freeze it, but note that the texture of the vegetables and the cracker topping may soften upon thawing and reheating.
What size baking dish is required?
A buttered 9x13 inch casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Do I need to fully cook the vegetables before layering?
No, you should only cook the frozen vegetables until they are just tender to ensure they don't become mushy during baking.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
Absolutely; cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even tofu can be added between the layers for extra protein.
How do I ensure a crunchy topping?
The combination of crushed Ritz crackers and dots of butter or margarine creates a perfectly crunchy, golden-brown crust.
What is the estimated preparation time?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while the baking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Yes, cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can be used as alternatives to cream of mushroom.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its large serving size and easy transport make it a favorite for potlucks and family dinners.
How many layers does the recipe have?
The dish is built in two repeated layers of vegetables, onion, soup mixture, and cheese.
What if I don't have a 9x13 inch dish?
You can use two smaller baking dishes, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe states that either 1/4 cup of butter or margarine can be used for the topping.
Why do I dot the butter on top?
Dotting small pieces of butter over the crackers ensures even browning and adds a rich flavor to the topping.
What kind of onion works best?
A small yellow or white onion is typically best for a subtle, savory flavor when chopped.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because Ritz crackers and canned cream soups usually contain wheat.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Be sure to drain the cooked vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the casserole dish.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can mix in garlic powder, black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the soup mixture for added kick.
What should I serve with this vegetable bake?
It works well as a side dish for roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course served with a side salad.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use low-fat soup, mayo, or cheese, though the final dish may be slightly less creamy than the original.