Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
A comforting cheesy vegetable casserole that combines mixed vegetables, crisp crackers, and a savory cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a creamy texture with a crunchy topping, appealing to vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery and onion in a bit of oil until tender.
- Combine cooked mixed vegetables, sautéed celery and onion, mayonnaise, and grated sharp Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Combine crushed cheese crackers and melted margarine to make topping.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese into the cracker mixture.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the vegetable mixture in the casserole.
- Bake in a 300°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley when sautéing the celery and onion. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you want a crunchier topping, use crushed potato chips instead of cheese crackers. This casserole can also be adapted with different vegetables to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Vegetable Casserole as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Potato Casserole With Crunchy Topping for a comforting dinner. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with grilled portobello mushrooms or a side of quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cheesy Vegetable Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 455 calories, with 13g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% 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 a day in advance. Assemble it and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of vegetables can I use in this casserole?
You can use any combination of vegetables you prefer. Frozen mixed vegetables work well, but fresh options like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers can be used too. Just ensure they are cooked before adding to the mixture for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free crackers for the topping instead of regular cheese crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially mayonnaise and any seasonings, are gluten-free as well to keep the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).