Aunt Loraine'S Vegetables
Creamy vegetable casserole with cheese, pimentos, and crispy fried onions, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering comforting flavors and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the thawed and drained frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheese, sour cream, black pepper, chopped pimentos (if using), and half of the French fried onions in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese and fried onions on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until topping is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or using a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. If you prefer a healthier option, swap the mushroom soup for a homemade version or a lighter alternative. You can also experiment with different cheese types such as mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavors. Adding garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the dish's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Loraine's Vegetables make a great side dish for grilled meats or a comforting main dish for a vegetarian meal. Serve alongside fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Christmas Cookies(Makes 6 Dozen.) for a festive gathering. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Loraine'S Vegetables contains roughly 308 calories, with 13g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli and cauliflower. Just steam or blanch them until tender before mixing. Adjust the baking time if necessary, as fresh vegetables may require a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for the French fried onions?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use crushed whole grain crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil as a topping. Alternatively, try using homemade fried onions for a fresher taste.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with baking as directed.
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).