Vegetable Confetti
A creamy vegetable casserole with cheese and crunchy cracker topping, perfect for cozy family dinners or as a comforting side dish for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook frozen vegetables according to directions and drain well. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Blend condensed cream of celery soup, milk, sour cream, and shredded cheese in a large bowl.
- Lightly stir the mixture into the cooked vegetables.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese to the soup mixture. You can also substitute the frozen Oriental blend with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for a crunchier bite. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder into the mixture. This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable Confetti makes a delightful side dish for roasted meats or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like barbecued chicken or a simple tossed salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a slice of hearty bread or a refreshing coleslaw. This dish is also a great way to sneak in more vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the Vegetable Confetti in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Confetti contains roughly 319 calories, with 12g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 833mg per serving (36% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables for frozen ones. Just make sure to blanch them briefly to soften slightly before mixing them into the dish. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crunch, making your Vegetable Confetti even more appealing.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
While shredded cheese is the main ingredient, you can experiment with different types such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing a couple of cheeses can also enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).