Good Carrots
A comforting dish of tender carrots layered with melted cheddar cheese, topped with buttery crumbs, and baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 carrots, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 3 cups buttered bread crumbs or Pepperidge Farm stuffing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the carrots until tender.
- Saute the minced onion in butter until translucent.
- In a saucepan, stir in flour, salt, dry mustard, and milk; cook until thickened.
- Add pepper and celery salt to the sauce.
- In a 2-quart casserole, layer the cooked carrots and slices of Cheddar cheese, ending with a layer of carrots on top.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the layered carrots and cheese.
- Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs or stuffing over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until hot throughout and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be great substitutes. To make the dish even more nutritious, add some frozen peas or green beans along with the carrots. Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs to prevent burning while baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a wonderful side for roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It pairs beautifully with Barbecued Potatoes for a hearty summer dinner. Consider serving a light salad on the side to balance the richness of the cheese and butter. A glass of chilled white wine can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Carrots contains roughly 770 calories, with 20g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and potassium (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1639mg per serving (71% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the layers and cover the dish. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. This allows for even cooking.
What can I use instead of butter for a healthier option?
For a healthier alternative, consider using olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. You can also use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter for a moist texture while reducing fat content. This will alter the flavor slightly but will still yield a tasty dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. You can add vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers to the mix for added color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for any additional veggies to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
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).