Casserole Of Vegetables Au Gratin
A creamy vegetable au gratin casserole with melted cheddar, tomatoes, corn, and onions, perfect for family dinners and vegetable lovers seeking comforting, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup green pepper, cut into large squares ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup canned solid packed tomatoes, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan.
- Add green pepper and crushed garlic; cook gently until green pepper is slightly tender.
- Stir in flour until well moistened with butter.
- Gradually add milk, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar; heat and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in drained tomatoes.
- Heat gently until the mixture thickens again, then turn into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add thawed corn and drained whole onions.
- Mix well and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. If you prefer a different cheese, Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be excellent substitutes for Cheddar. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so feel free to use fresh basil or oregano if available. For a bit more flavor, sauté the garlic until fragrant before adding other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Summer Fruit With Cream Brown Sugar for a delightful dessert. You can also offer a light, tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience and making it perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave in individual portions for quick reheating. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; just thaw and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Casserole Of Vegetables Au Gratin contains roughly 159 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1346mg per serving (59% 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 add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender. Adding a mix of your favorite veggies can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it as directed. This is a great way to save time on busy days, especially for gatherings or family meals.
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).