Ingredients
Scale
Winter Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 12 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Roux and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Blend and Topping
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Aromatics and Roasting
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast the Vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and trim and halve Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized with slight crisp edges.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until softened. Season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated for extra richness.
- Combine and Assemble: Gently fold the roasted vegetables into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring even coating. Transfer this mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add the Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle a mixture of remaining shredded cheese and breadcrumbs over the assembled casserole. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, forming a crunchy crust that complements the creamy interior.
Notes
- Roast vegetables separately to ensure proper caramelization for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Use full-fat milk and cream for a silky, rich sauce that low-fat alternatives cannot replicate.
- Add fresh herbs last when making the sauce to retain their bright aroma and flavor.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb and cheese topping—it adds important textural contrast to the creamy filling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning carefully before assembling, since cheese adds saltiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: winter casserole, creamy vegetable casserole, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, roasted vegetables