Savory California Veggie Bake
Indulge in this Savory California Veggie Bake, a delightful and nutritious side dish that elevates your vegetable intake. This comforting casserole combines a colorful blend of frozen California vegetables with fresh celery and onion, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy mix. Topped with a buttery cracker crust, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. It's not just a side dish—it's a delicious way to make veggies the star of your meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen California-blend vegetables
10 ounces (Frozen)
Celery
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Yellow onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Water
1/4 cup (For cooking)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (None)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Butter flavored crackers
1/2 cup (Crushed (such as Ritz))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, pour in the water and bring it to a simmer.
3
Add the frozen California-blend vegetables, chopped celery, and yellow onion to the saucepan. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4
Once cooked, drain the vegetables in a colander and transfer them to a spacious mixing bowl.
5
In the bowl with the vegetables, add the mayonnaise and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
6
Lightly spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, then pour the vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Drizzle the melted butter over the layered vegetable mixture, ensuring an even coating.
8
Sprinkle the crushed butter-flavored crackers generously over the top for a crispy finish.
9
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and creamy vegetable bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory California Veggie Bake?
It is a nutritious side dish that combines frozen California-blend vegetables with fresh celery and onion in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a buttery cracker crust.
What vegetables are in the California blend?
The California blend typically consists of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should I simmer the vegetables?
Simmer the frozen vegetables, celery, and onion for 5 to 10 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
How much water is needed for simmering?
You only need 1/4 cup of water to simmer the vegetables.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While yellow onion is specified, you can use white or red onion depending on your preference.
What is the role of mayonnaise in this dish?
Mayonnaise provides the creaminess and acts as a binder for the vegetables and cheese.
What kind of crackers should I use for the topping?
Butter-flavored crackers, such as Ritz, are recommended for a golden and crispy finish.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 to 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the vegetable mixture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free brand of butter-flavored crackers.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted butter drizzled over the top.
Can I prepare this bake in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the vegetable and cheese mixture ahead of time and add the crackers and butter just before baking.
Should the vegetables be drained after simmering?
Yes, it is important to drain the vegetables in a colander to prevent the bake from being too watery.
What can I serve with this veggie bake?
It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as a hearty side for holiday meals.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, but you may need to increase the simmering time slightly until they reach the desired tenderness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: California vegetables, celery, onion, water, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, butter, and crackers.
What size should the celery and onion be?
The celery and onion should be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
You can try using Greek yogurt or sour cream, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, it is a great potluck dish because it is easy to transport and generally very popular.
How do I crush the crackers?
You can place them in a plastic bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
Either works, though salted butter adds a bit more savory depth to the cracker crust.
Can I add extra cheese to the top?
Absolutely, adding extra cheese on top along with the crackers will make it even more indulgent.
Is the celery essential?
While celery adds a nice texture and flavor, you can omit it if you prefer.
Can I freeze the cooked bake?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based sauce and cracker topping may separate or become soggy when thawed.
What makes this a 'California' bake?
The name comes from the 'California blend' of frozen vegetables, which is a specific mixture of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Letting it cool slightly for a few minutes helps the sauce set, making it easier to serve.