Calico Casserole
Calico Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish featuring a colorful mix of vegetables topped with flavorful cornbread stuffing. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a satisfying combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the drained mixed vegetables, mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped onion, and grated cheese. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Prepare the stuffing by mixing the cornbread stuffing mix with the melted butter.
- Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the vegetable and cheese mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden.
- Casserole will 'crackie' when done.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley in the vegetable mixture. If you don't have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute. You can also use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or mozzarella. For a vegetarian twist, ensure your stuffing mix is meat-free and try pairing it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This Calico Casserole makes a hearty main dish, perfect for family dinners. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. If you're looking for more American recipes, consider serving a side of Kansas Corn Scallop to complement the flavors of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Casserole contains roughly 1023 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1063mg per serving (46% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cornbread stuffing mix?
If you don't have cornbread stuffing mix, you can use regular stuffing mix or even homemade croutons. Just add some spices like sage or poultry seasoning to mimic the flavor of cornbread stuffing.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Calico Casserole can easily be made vegetarian by ensuring that the stuffing mix is meat-free. The mixture of vegetables, mayonnaise, and cheese provides a satisfying meal without any meat.
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).