Vegetable Plenty
A cheesy vegetable casserole with broccoli, tomatoes, and corn, topped with crunchy cracker crumbs. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine broccoli, corn, cracker crumbs, chopped onion, and 1 1/2 cups cheese; mix lightly.
- Reserve 1/2 cup cheese for topping.
- Layer half of the vegetable mixture and tomato wedges in a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Cover with remaining vegetable mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Top with remaining tomato wedges; continue baking for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle reserved cheese on top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the vegetable mixture. If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the American cheese with cheddar or mozzarella. Fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen broccoli; just make sure to blanch them briefly. For a bit of crunch, add some crushed nuts or seeds atop the casserole before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegetable Plenty pairs beautifully with Quick Corn Muffins for a delightful meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a mixed green salad or some roasted vegetables. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or fish, adding a nutritious and comforting element to your plate.
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 until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Plenty contains roughly 161 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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 broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the mixture. This will help retain its vibrant color and prevent it from being too crunchy in the final dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, as some may require a little more or less time to cook 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).