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Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole
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A creamy, comforting winter vegetable casserole featuring seasonal root vegetables and hearty greens in a rich, velvety sauce topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect as a wholesome weeknight dinner or festive side dish that blends simplicity, warmth, and nourishing flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

Creamy Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Blanch all vegetables in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes to slightly soften while retaining some bite. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste and form a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and cook until thickened into a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
  3. Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Gently fold the blanched vegetables into the creamy sauce, ensuring even coating. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
  4. Add Cheese and Bake: Top the casserole with shredded Gruyere cheese in a generous, even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top bubbles and turns golden brown.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce further. Scoop onto plates and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Blanch vegetables briefly to avoid sogginess after baking.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for brighter flavors.
  • Gruyere cheese melts beautifully; alternatively mix with Parmesan or mozzarella.
  • Cook the roux carefully to ensure a smooth, thick sauce.
  • For a lighter casserole, replace half the cream with milk or vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable casserole, Gruyere casserole, seasonal winter recipe, vegetarian casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/creamy-winter-vegetable-casserole/