Baked Onions And Vegetables
Creamy baked onions and vegetables featuring a rich cheese sauce, crispy cracker topping, and tender vegetables—perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Precook onions until tender in microwave.
- Drain, cut, and place in buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Precook celery just a few seconds in microwave and add to onions.
- Add diced tomato and sliced zucchini or crookneck squash to the vegetables.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan; remove from heat and mix in flour.
- Gradually add milk, return to medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and just boils.
- Add Velveeta cheese to the cream sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes or until the vegetables are done.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the vegetable mixture before baking. If you're out of Velveeta, a blend of cream cheese and cheddar can work as a substitute for a similar creamy texture. For a healthier twist, swap margarine for olive oil and use whole wheat crackers instead of Ritz.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple pasta dish or incorporating it into a buffet featuring American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Onions And Vegetables contains roughly 1716 calories, with 27g protein, 258g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (114% of the Daily Value), calcium (102% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven for the recommended time.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Just remember to precook denser vegetables slightly longer to ensure they are tender when baked.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy and crunchy textures without the gluten.
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).