Scalloped Carrots With Mustard-Cheese Sauce
Creamy scalloped carrots with a flavorful mustard-cheese sauce make a comforting side dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, blending sweet carrots with tangy cheese and herbs.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill or 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan with a steamer rack, steam the sliced carrots for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.
- In a small saucepan, cook the chopped onion in margarine or butter for 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and dry mustard.
- Gradually stir in the milk.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, dill, celery seed, and pepper.
- Cook and stir until the cheese is melted.
- Toss the steamed carrots with the cheese sauce or arrange the carrots on a platter and top with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider substituting half-and-half for the milk. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-sliced carrots or frozen ones can be used as a quicker option. For extra texture, you could add breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a delightful side to roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with Min'S Pumpkin Pie for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, accompany it with a hearty salad or a side of quinoa. Fresh dill sprinkled on top just before serving adds a lovely touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover; heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Carrots With Mustard-Cheese Sauce contains roughly 199 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (129% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen carrots can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them before steaming. This will help avoid excess moisture in the dish and maintain the desired texture.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, check that your cheese is gluten-free, and this dish will be safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and steam the carrots ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce's creaminess and the carrots' texture.
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).