Hot Vegetable Dish
A comforting hot vegetable casserole featuring a blend of drained Veg-All, onions, celery, and cheddar cheese, all topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs and melted butter. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a savory, cheesy, and slightly crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the drained Veg-All, chopped onion, chopped celery, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and mix with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you're looking for a lighter version, replace the cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Be sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for better coverage over the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This hot vegetable dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats or as part of a holiday spread. It pairs beautifully with Herbed Biscuits for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. This dish also works well for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Vegetable Dish contains roughly 1214 calories, with 17g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1218mg per serving (53% 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 a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients and store in the refrigerator, then bake it right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Be sure to add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crispy.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in place of Veg-All. Just make sure to cook them slightly before mixing, as fresh veggies may require more time to become tender in the oven. Consider blanching them for a few minutes to soften.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, ensure that the mayonnaise used is free of animal products if you are serving strict vegetarians. This recipe is a great option for those looking for hearty vegetarian recipes.
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).