Buffet Cheese-Scalloped Carrots
Buffet Cheese-Scalloped Carrots offer a comforting blend of tender carrots, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy bread crumbs. The creamy, cheesy topping complements the sweetness of carrots, making it an ideal side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sliced carrots in a small amount of water for 10 minutes and drain.
- Cook chopped onion in butter for 2 to 3 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine and stir in flour, salt, dry mustard, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add sliced sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine cooked carrots and onion with the cheese sauce.
- Place mixture in a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with buttered fresh bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're out of sharp Cheddar, a mix of Gruyère and Monterey Jack works well. For extra flavor, sauté garlic with the onion. To speed up cooking, steam the carrots instead of boiling them. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, fitting perfectly into vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a well-rounded meal. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to complement the flavors. Consider adding a light vinaigrette to your salad to balance the richness of the cheese sauce. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with a slice of Leah'S Pound Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffet Cheese-Scalloped Carrots contains roughly 659 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1939mg per serving (84% 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 frozen carrots instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture. The cooking time may be slightly less, so keep an eye on them during baking.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that the cheese used is also gluten-free, and you'll have a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can easily replace margarine with unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, though it may impart a slight coconut flavor to the 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).