Name: Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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 and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¾ cup shredded Italian blend cheese; 1 cup pork rind panko crumbs (or regular panko crumbs or finely crushed crackers)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 40 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, luscious side dish that brings all the comfort and flavor you crave, I’ve got you covered. This Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese Recipe is my go-to for gatherings or just a simple family dinner. It’s got this dreamy, cheesy sauce that hugs tender veggies perfectly, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy topping that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for bland vegetable sides!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Creaminess: The heavy cream and cheese blend creates a silky sauce that perfectly coats the vegetables without being overpowering.
Texture Play: Tender steamed veggies combined with crunchy panko topping make every bite interesting and satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday vegetables and pantry staples makes this recipe easy to pull together anytime.
Customizable Flavors: The Italian seasoning and subtle spice allow you to tweak this casserole according to your taste buds or what’s in your fridge.

Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese, cheesy vegetable casserole, comforting vegetable bake, easy veggie casserole, cheesy veggie side dish - The image shows a close-up of a creamy vegetable casserole in a white dish on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main visible layers: small bright orange baby carrots scattered on top, green broccoli florets mixed evenly through a thick white creamy sauce that covers the vegetables, and some hints of cauliflower underneath. The sauce looks smooth with a few herbs sprinkled on top, giving small green specks. The edges of the dish show slight browning from baking. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side, scooping into the creamy vegetable mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how this casserole uses fresh, hearty vegetables that hold up well to baking, plus a rich cheese sauce that lifts the whole dish. When shopping, look for crisp broccoli and cauliflower crowns and sweet baby carrots—they add both flavor and color contrast.

Broccoli florets: Choose bright green, fresh florets that snap when bent for the best texture after boiling.
Cauliflower florets: Pick tight, firm heads with little discoloration to avoid mushy results after baking.
Baby carrots: These add a natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue—more lively than regular sliced carrots.
Butter: Provides a creamy base for the sauce and enhances that comforting richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a fragrant depth to the sauce without overpowering the veggies.
Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce beautifully so it clings to each veggie bite.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, smooth texture that makes this casserole feel indulgent.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that add savory warmth and herbaceous notes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, balancing the creaminess with a bit of bite.
Chili powder: Just a touch for subtle heat that brightens the flavors.
Ground nutmeg: A secret ingredient that adds warmth and depth to the cheese sauce.
Shredded Italian blend cheese: Melts into a gorgeous cheesy sauce with a great mix of flavors.
Pork rind panko crumbs: Crunchy topping that bakes to golden perfection—perfect for texture contrast. You can swap for regular panko or crushed crackers if needed.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese Recipe is honestly so forgiving and flexible. I love switching things up depending on what veggies I have or which cheeses I’m craving. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before baking; it layers in extra earthiness and color.
Low-Carb Options: If you want to drop the carbs, swap out the cornstarch for xanthan gum and use a low-carb cream alternative. Just be mindful the texture changes a bit.
Cheese Swaps: I’ve used sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even smoked mozzarella—each brings a unique flavor vibe you might enjoy discovering.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you like a little smoky heat. It wakes up the whole dish!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Boil Your Veggies Just Right

The secret to a great casserole is the texture of your vegetables—so you want them tender but not mushy. I bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil, add the broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots, then simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye because you don’t want them falling apart later! Drain them well and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up that cheesy sauce.

Step 2: Whip Up That Dreamy Cheese Sauce

While your veggies are doing their thing, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 20 seconds, no more, or it’ll turn bitter. Whisk in cornstarch and cook for a minute to remove that raw starchy taste. Now pour in the heavy cream and bring to a boil, whisking frequently until it thickens up nicely (around 3 to 4 minutes).

Step 3: Season and Melt That Cheese

Taking your sauce off the heat, stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chili powder, and just a pinch of nutmeg for that warm depth. Then add your shredded Italian blend cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This sauce is seriously addicting on its own, so try not to sneak too much while assembling!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Like a Pro

Grab your greased casserole dish and spread about half a cup of cheese sauce on the bottom—this prevents sticking and adds rich flavor all around. Next, toss the drained veggies with some salt and pepper, then stir them into the remaining cheese sauce until everything’s well coated. Transfer the saucy veggies to your dish, pour the rest of the sauce over top, and mix gently. Finish by sprinkling the pork rind panko crumbs evenly—it’s the magic crunch layer! Pop it in the oven at 400°F for 20-23 minutes until bubbling hot and the topping is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

This step is super important—don’t rush! Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. It helps the sauce thicken a bit and makes scooping clean portions so much easier. Give it one last taste and adjust any seasoning, then dive in with your favorite serving spoon.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overboil the Veggies: I’ve learned the hard way that mushy veggies make the casserole soggy; aim just for fork-tender.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Fresh minced garlic really brightens up the sauce more than pre-minced versions.
Rest Time Matters: Letting the casserole cool before serving improves texture and flavor melding significantly.
Crunchy Topping Swap: Pork rind panko crumbs give great flavor and crunch, but regular panko or crushed crackers work great if you prefer.

How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I toss a few toasted sliced almonds on top for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a simple baked fish. For a plant-based meal, serve alongside quinoa or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—the brightness balances all that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with microgreens—makes it feel fancy but stays easy to pull off. You can also bake it inside hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cast iron skillets for a cute single-serving option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up surprisingly well, but sometimes the topping softens, so I’d recommend reheating in the oven to bring back some crunch.

Freezing

Freezing is doable, especially if you skip the crunchy topping or keep it aside to add fresh after thawing. I find the texture is best if you freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen with a little added cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps avoid sogginess that comes from microwaving and refreshes the crispy topping nicely if you added some fresh crumbs.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess water, or else your casserole might turn watery. I still recommend slightly undercooking them so they don’t become mushy when baked.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a thick cashew-based cream, and swap the cheese for vegan cheese alternatives that melt well. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change, but it can still be delicious!
What can I use instead of pork rind panko crumbs?

You can easily substitute with regular panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even toasted nuts for a crunchy topping. Just adjust baking time slightly if needed to achieve golden crispiness.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

The key is to avoid overcooking the veggies before baking and to drain them thoroughly. Also, letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce set, keeping the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart for how it turns simple, everyday veggies into a soul-soothing dish everyone loves. I hope you give it a go and discover how easy it is to create something impressive yet homey with just a few ingredients. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over – it’s just that good, and I can’t wait for you to taste it!