Au Gratin Carrots
Creamy, cheesy au gratin carrots with a crispy cornflake topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook carrots until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of butter until translucent.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add cubed American cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked carrots and cheese sauce, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed cornflakes and chopped parsley on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding garlic or a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. If you don’t have American cheese, try using cheddar or a mix of cheeses for an extra kick. To reduce prep time, frozen sliced carrots can be used instead of fresh. Ensure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Au Gratin Carrots as a delightful side dish to roasted meats or alongside a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Spicy Broccoli Casserole(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) for a colorful and nutritious meal. For a complete vegetarian feast, consider adding a grain dish like Creamy Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Au Gratin Carrots contains roughly 402 calories, with 12g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (234% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1642mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to bake, add the cornflake topping just before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for cornflakes?
If you don't have cornflakes, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs can be used as a crunchy topping. You can also try using panko for a lighter, crispier texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the cheese used doesn't contain any animal rennet, which some cheese may have. Look for vegetarian cheese options for this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).