Creamy Cheddar Carrot Bake
Indulge in this Creamy Cheddar Carrot Bake, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will brighten up any meal. This dish features tender carrots enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, flavored with aromatic herbs and topped with a crunchy golden layer of baked cheese crackers. Ideal for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or bringing to potlucks, this casserole not only delights the palate but also adds vibrant color to your table. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a main vegetarian delight—this recipe is sure to be a new favorite!
8
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
carrot
1 lb (sliced (baby carrots can also be used))
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
evaporated low-fat milk
12 ounces (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
crushed baked cheese crackers
1 cup (divided, using Cheese Nips four cheese flavor)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the other ingredients.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the sliced carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain the carrots and transfer them to a greased casserole dish.
3
In the same saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4
Stir in the evaporated milk, shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, tarragon, salt, and white pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in 3/4 cup of the crushed cheese crackers, mixing well.
6
Pour the cheese mixture over the cooked carrots in the casserole dish and spread evenly.
7
Top the casserole with the remaining 1/4 cup of crushed cheese crackers and sprinkle paprika over the top.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy carrot casserole!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
18g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Carrot Bake?
It is a vegetable casserole featuring tender carrots in a cheesy sauce topped with crushed cheese crackers.
What kind of carrots can I use for this recipe?
You can use 1 lb of sliced carrots or baby carrots.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I boil the carrots?
Cook the carrots in boiling water for about 10 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What kind of milk is required?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of evaporated low-fat milk.
Which herbs are included in this carrot bake?
It uses 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme leaves and dried tarragon.
What is the crunchy topping made of?
The topping consists of crushed baked cheese crackers and a sprinkle of paprika.
What specific brand of crackers does the recipe suggest?
It suggests using Cheese Nips four cheese flavor crackers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 180 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is described as a main vegetarian delight or a side dish.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 6g of protein.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify transferring carrots to a greased casserole dish.
How should the onion be prepared?
The 1/4 cup of onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in butter.
How are the crackers divided in the recipe?
Use 3/4 cup mixed into the cheese sauce and the remaining 1/4 cup for the top layer.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of butter are used to sauté the onion before making the cheese sauce.
Can I serve this at a potluck?
Yes, it is noted as ideal for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions state to bake it uncovered.
How do I know when the cheese sauce is ready?
The mixture should be stirred frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
What provides the vibrant color on top of the dish?
The paprika and golden-baked cheese crackers provide the color.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Should I let it cool before eating?
Yes, the recipe advises allowing it to cool slightly before serving.
What flavor profile can I expect?
It is described as a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a Vegetable dish.