Creamy Carrot Casserole
Are you in the mood for a comforting and creamy dish? Look no further than this delicious creamy carrot casserole. With its rich flavors and warm, cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam the carrots until they are tender. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until well combined.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. In a greased baking dish, arrange the steamed carrots in an even layer.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the carrots, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
How to Prepare:
This creamy carrot casserole is incredibly simple to prepare. Start by peeling and slicing the carrots. Steam them until they are tender. In the meantime, melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the flour. Gradually add the milk and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. In a greased baking dish, arrange the steamed carrots and pour the cheese sauce over them. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or even holiday gatherings. It pairs well with roasted meats such as chicken or beef. The creamy and cheesy sauce adds a comforting element to the slightly sweet and tender carrots. The breadcrumbs on top add a nice crunch and texture.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 10g
Tips:
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as peas or corn, for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Just make sure to thaw them before steaming.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere or mozzarella.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat your family to a delicious and comforting meal, this creamy carrot casserole is the perfect choice. Its creamy and cheesy goodness combined with the natural sweetness of the carrots is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!
