Carrot Casserole(Lisa'S Favorite)
A comforting carrot casserole with creamy milk sauce, melted Cheddar cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sliced carrots until tender.
- Sauté chopped onion in margarine until translucent.
- Add flour, salt, and dry mustard to the onion and margarine, mixing well.
- Gradually add milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in celery seed.
- Layer cooked carrots, slices of Cheddar cheese, and the milk mixture in a casserole dish.
- Pour remaining milk mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs on top and bake until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese layer. If you're short on time, pre-packaged shredded cheese can be a great substitute for slices. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or paprika for an extra flavor kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a nice touch as well.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty carrot casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a side to vegetarian recipes like stuffed peppers or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. It’s also delicious with a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover carrot casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot Casserole(Lisa'S Favorite) contains roughly 572 calories, with 29g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% 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 for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Cooking times may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Is there a gluten-free option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that the other ingredients, like the margarine and cheese, are also gluten-free. This will keep the dish delicious while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as it will go into the oven cold.
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).