Are you tired of bland vegetable dishes that nobody wants to eat? Get ready to transform your dinner table with this mouthwatering Crowd Pleasing Vegetable Casserole that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked vegetables and a crispy, irresistible topping. This recipe is so delicious, it'll make even the pickiest eaters come back for more, guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food that's both easy to make and impressive to serve!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- If using fresh vegetables, wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them completely and drain any excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping. If desired, you can add a small amount of melted butter to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Carefully distribute the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer, creating an even coating.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use a mix of fresh seasonal vegetables or high-quality frozen vegetables to ensure consistent texture and taste.
- Don't skip letting the casserole rest after baking - this helps the dish set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- For extra crispiness on the breadcrumb topping, consider adding a small amount of melted butter or even grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs before sprinkling.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat cheese and a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
