Carrot-Cheese Casserole
A comforting carrot and cheese casserole featuring tender carrots layered with melted cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce, baked till golden. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish combines sweet carrots with savory cheese, offering a hearty, flavorful vegetarian option that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sliced carrots until tender.
- Melt oleo (butter) in a pan; stir in finely chopped onions, pepper, mustard, and celery seeds.
- Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add milk and flour; cook until thickened.
- Layer cooked carrots and cheese in a 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole, starting with a layer of carrots, then cheese, and repeat.
- Pour the sauce over the layered carrots and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. If you're out of Cheddar cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can work as substitutes. To enhance the dish, you can add sautéed garlic or herbs like thyme. This casserole is also a great way to use up leftover carrots from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Carrot-Cheese Casserole pairs beautifully with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a light green salad. It also serves as a hearty side dish for roasted meats. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a protein like lentils or chickpeas, making it a satisfying option for vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be careful not to overheat as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot-Cheese Casserole contains roughly 623 calories, with 17g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% 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 up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook them until tender before layering them in the casserole to ensure even cooking.
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).