Californian Veggies
A creamy, cheesy casserole featuring mixed vegetables, rice Krispies topping, and savory onion soup flavor, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put frozen veggies in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix sour cream, onion soup mix, cream of celery soup, and drained water chestnuts; pour over the veggies.
- Melt butter and pour over Rice Krispies; spread the mixture over the veggies.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding some grated cheese on top before baking for extra flavor. If you don't have Lipton onion soup mix, you can substitute with a homemade mix of dried onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also use fresh broccoli and cauliflower if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Stupendous Strawberry Cake for dessert to balance the savory flavors with something sweet. It's a great addition to potlucks and family gatherings, where it can be a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or place the casserole back in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You may want to cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Californian Veggies contains roughly 656 calories, with 10g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1637mg 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 use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli and cauliflower instead of frozen. Just be sure to cook them slightly before adding to the casserole to ensure they are tender by the end of baking. Adjust the baking time if necessary, as fresh vegetables may cook faster.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the cream of celery soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of celery soup with a homemade version using vegetable broth, cream, and celery, or opt for a different canned soup like cream of mushroom. Just ensure the ingredients align with your dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).