Hearty Carrot Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, this Hearty Carrot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. Featuring tender steamed carrot rounds smothered in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is elevated with the subtle aromatics of sautéed onions, garlic powder, and a hint of dried thyme. Topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust, each bite offers a delightful contrast of creamy and crispy textures. Perfect as a savory side dish, this casserole is quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time and bakes to bubbly perfection in a single dish. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious—an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 large carrots
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium (finely chopped) onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional for garnish) parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Steam or boil the carrots for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook while stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a greased 9x9-inch casserole dish, layer the steamed carrots. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the carrots, ensuring everything is well-coated.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1697 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.5 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.2 g | 256% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 253 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 5028 mg | 219% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 155.7 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.4 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.5 g | ||
| Protein | 60.6 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 1515 mg | 117% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 2314 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
