Swedish Mixed Vegetable Casserole
A comforting Swedish vegetable casserole featuring green beans, carrots, cauliflower, and a creamy Parmesan topping, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a small amount of salted water (1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup water).
- Add green beans, sliced carrots, cauliflower florets, and sliced onion to the water.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Drain vegetables, reserving the cooking liquid.
- Place vegetables in an ungreased oblong baking dish.
- Heat margarine or butter over low heat until melted.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid and the whipping cream.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute; remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Set oven to broil at 550°F (290°C).
- Broil until the top is light brown and bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the vegetable mix. You can easily substitute the whipping cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version. If you prefer a different cheese, Gruyère or cheddar can also work well instead of Parmesan. Make sure to season to taste as you go!
Serving Suggestions
This Swedish Mixed Vegetable Casserole pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a vegetarian option, it complements other vegetarian recipes like a hearty grain salad or roasted vegetables perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but broil briefly afterward for a bubbly top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Mixed Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 179 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1016mg per serving (44% 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 vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness during the simmering step.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still add a delicious cheesy element to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that your margarine or butter is gluten-free as well, and check that your Parmesan cheese does not contain any gluten-containing additives.
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).