Rita'S Crunchy Vegetable Casserole
A creamy, crunchy vegetable casserole featuring cheese, water chestnuts, and Ritz crackers, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with a savory, comforting flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except Ritz crackers and oleo.
- Top the casserole with crumbled Ritz crackers and melted oleo.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the vegetable medley. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, low-fat sour cream can be used without compromising the creaminess. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting vegetarian option, consider serving it with crusty bread or a side of Low-Fat Slaw for a light crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You may also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rita'S Crunchy Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 408 calories, with 15g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% 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
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To ensure this casserole is completely vegetarian, double-check that your cream of celery soup is meat-free and use vegetable-based broth. All the other ingredients in this recipe are already vegetarian-friendly, making it a simple and delicious option for those following a vegetarian diet.
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).