Ultimate Cheesy Vegetable Bake
Dive into this creamy and cheesy vegetable casserole that's perfect for any occasion! Brimming with a delightful blend of vegetables and rich flavors, this dish offers a comforting taste experience. Whether you're serving it as a side for dinner or enjoying it as a main course, the Ultimate Cheesy Vegetable Bake is not only easy to prepare but also a favorite among both kids and adults. With the option to use a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for extra nutrition, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your family's preferences. Bake it to golden perfection, and watch it disappear from the table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
California-blend frozen vegetables
2 (1 lb) bags (thawed and drained)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (raw)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Reduced-fat sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1.5-2 cups (divided for mixing and topping)
Crushed buttery crackers (Ritz)
1/2 cup (crushed)
Salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 1.5 to 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.
3
Thaw the frozen vegetables, and ensure to drain any excess liquid completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained vegetables with the chopped onion, melted butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, crushed buttery crackers, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well-blended and evenly coated.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
9
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Vegetable Bake?
It is a creamy and cheesy vegetable casserole featuring a blend of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots topped with buttery crackers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 1.5 to 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
What vegetables are in the California blend?
The California blend typically consists of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
How many bags of frozen vegetables are required?
The recipe calls for 2 (1 lb) bags of California-blend frozen vegetables.
Do I need to thaw the vegetables before baking?
Yes, you should thaw the frozen vegetables and drain any excess liquid completely before mixing.
Why is draining the vegetables important?
Draining prevents the casserole from becoming too watery or soggy during the baking process.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped raw onion.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Can I use reduced-fat sour cream?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests 3/4 cup of reduced-fat sour cream.
Is mayonnaise necessary for this bake?
Yes, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise is used to create the creamy base of the casserole.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
How much cheese is added to the vegetable mixture?
Use 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese inside the mixture.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
Reserve 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
What provides the crunchy topping?
Crushed buttery crackers, such as Ritz, are mixed in and used for texture.
How much cracker crumb is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of crushed buttery crackers.
What seasonings are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the casserole set.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly vegetable bake.
Is the Ultimate Cheesy Vegetable Bake kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy and creamy texture makes it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While often served as a side, its rich flavors allow it to be enjoyed as a main course.
What is the preparation time like?
Preparation is easy; simply thaw, drain, mix, and bake.
Can I substitute the vegetables?
Yes, you can adapt the vegetable mix to suit your family's preferences.
What texture should the vegetables have?
They should be well-blended and evenly coated with the creamy sauce mixture.
Does the recipe require salt to taste?
Yes, it suggests using 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt depending on your preference.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Melted butter is listed, but margarine can generally be used as a substitute in casseroles.