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Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Creamy Vegetable Casserole combines broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with homemade cheese sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 pound broccoli florets
  • - 1 pound cauliflower florets
  • - ½ pound baby carrots
  • - 3 tablespoons butter
  • - 3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • - 2 cups heavy cream
  • - 1½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • - Salt to taste
  • - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • - ¼–½ teaspoon chili powder to taste
  • - ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • - ¾ cup shredded Italian blend cheese
  • - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • - Cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots.
  • Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 20 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while whisking frequently. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and nutmeg.
  • Stir in the shredded cheese and whisk until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Spread approximately ½ cup of cheese sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Add the drained vegetables and season lightly with additional salt and black pepper.
  • Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the Creamy Vegetable Casserole Recipe.
  • Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the topping is lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for approximately 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Regular panko breadcrumbs are used instead of pork rind crumbs to keep this version pork-free and halal-friendly.
Other vegetables can be incorporated depending on what you have available. Green beans, peas, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts can add extra color and texture, although cooking times may need adjustment.
This cheesy vegetable casserole pairs especially well with roasted or grilled chicken, beef, lamb, rice dishes, or a fresh green salad.
For an attractive finish, sprinkle a little dried parsley or fresh chopped herbs over the casserole before serving.