Dad's Cheesy California Veggie Delight
This Cheesy California Veggie Delight is a heartwarming casserole that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It's a delicious mix of frozen California blend vegetables, creamy soup, indulgent cheese, and crunchy French-fried onions, bringing together a blend of textures and flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe, passed down from my dad, evokes nostalgia while being simple to prepare. It's a delightful dish that just about anyone can make, providing warmth and comfort on any table.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen California Blend Mixed Vegetables
2 bags (8 ounces each)
Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cans (15 ounces each)
Shredded Cheese Blend
16 ounces (use your favorite blend)
Sour Cream
16 ounces (regular or low-fat)
McCormick Perfect Pinch Vegetable Seasoning
2 tablespoons (or your favorite vegetable seasoning)
French-fried Onions
16 ounces (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen California Blend Mixed Vegetables, Cream of Chicken Soup, Shredded Cheese Blend, Sour Cream, and McCormick Perfect Pinch Vegetable Seasoning. Mix until well combined.
3
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4
Sprinkle the French-fried onions generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring a crunchy topping.
5
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
7
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dad's Cheesy California Veggie Delight?
It is a heartwarming casserole made with frozen California blend vegetables, cream of chicken soup, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy French-fried onions.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The total baking time is 60 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 30 minutes uncovered.
What vegetables are in the California Blend?
While specific brands vary, a California blend typically includes broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
Should the vegetables be thawed before mixing?
The recipe instructions specify using frozen California Blend Mixed Vegetables directly in the mix.
What kind of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of Cream of Chicken Soup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, although the original recipe uses cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to make it vegetarian.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of a shredded cheese blend; you can use your favorite variety such as cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either regular or low-fat sour cream.
What seasoning provides the flavor profile?
McCormick Perfect Pinch Vegetable Seasoning is recommended, but you can use any favorite vegetable seasoning.
How are the French-fried onions used?
They are sprinkled generously over the top of the casserole before baking to create a crunchy topping.
Why is the dish covered with foil for the first half of baking?
Covering the dish with foil helps the vegetables heat through and prevents the onion topping from burning before the center is hot.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is hot and bubbly, and the French-fried onions have turned golden brown.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
What is the prep time category for this recipe?
This recipe falls under the '< 4 Hours' category, though actual active prep is quite fast.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this specific version of the Cheesy California Veggie Delight was passed down from the creator's father.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen, you can use fresh vegetables if they are blanched or steamed slightly first to ensure they soften during baking.
What size bags of vegetables are needed?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce bags of frozen California blend vegetables.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of vegetable seasoning, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What type of dish should I use?
A greased baking dish large enough to hold the mixture evenly is required.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
While sour cream provides a specific tang and creaminess, Greek yogurt is a common substitute that can be used in similar ratios.
How much cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for a total of 16 ounces of shredded cheese blend.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its creamy texture, indulgent cheese, and nostalgic flavors.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients and place them in the baking dish ahead of time, adding the onion topping just before you put it in the oven.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the texture of the sour cream and onions may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
What are the primary textures of this dish?
The dish features a blend of creamy, soft vegetables and a crunchy onion topping.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, the combination of cheese and creamy soup makes it a popular choice even for those who are typically hesitant about vegetables.
What makes this 'Dad's' recipe?
The recipe is a specific family version passed down by the author's father, evoking a sense of nostalgia.