Garlic Veggie Casserole
A cheesy garlic veggie casserole with broccoli and optional cauliflower, creamy half-and-half, and a crispy cheese topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute minced garlic and broccoli until the vegetable loses crispness.
- Add the flour, half-and-half, Cheyenne pepper, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
- Pour into a casserole dish.
- Top with Cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half-and-half. If you want to increase the veggie content, you can add bell peppers or spinach. For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in olive oil before adding the broccoli. If Cheyenne pepper is too spicy, substitute with paprika for a milder taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Veggie Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can serve it as a side dish for grilled meats or as a main course for a vegetarian meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top adds a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Veggie Casserole contains roughly 410 calories, with 10g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% 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. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If you don't have broccoli, cauliflower or green beans work well in this recipe. You can also use a frozen mixed vegetable blend for convenience. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetable used.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, ensure your half-and-half is gluten-free, which most brands are. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious casserole without the gluten.
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).