Carrots Au Gratin
Creamy carrots au gratin features tender sliced carrots and onions topped with cheesy, crunchy bread crumbs, baked to golden perfection—an inviting side suitable for family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook carrots and onion in boiling salted water for 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 cups of cooking water.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
- Blend in flour; gradually add the reserved cooking water, stirring until thick and smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in grated cheese until melted.
- Arrange the cooked carrots and onions in a casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or nutmeg to the cheese sauce. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with Gruyère or Parmesan for a different taste. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using olive oil instead of butter and whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber. This dish also works well with other vegetables like broccoli, making it a versatile choice.
Serving Suggestions
Carrots Au Gratin makes a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or a hearty vegetarian main. It pairs beautifully with heritage recipes like Heritage Chocolate Cake for a complete meal experience. A simple green salad can complement the richness of the dish, balancing out the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook as it may become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrots Au Gratin contains roughly 1356 calories, with 40g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but reduce the cooking time as they are usually blanched before freezing. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the casserole.
What can I do if I don't have bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs, you can crush crackers, use panko, or even finely chopped nuts for a crunchy topping. Alternatively, you can skip the topping altogether for a simpler dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance, assemble it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it well. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
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).