If you are on the lookout for a comforting side dish that instantly elevates any meal, look no further than this delightful Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender sliced carrots bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, crowned with a crunchy buttery cornflake topping that makes every bite a joy. This dish is incredibly versatile, simple to prepare, and packs vibrant colors and textures that will brighten your dinner table and warm your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe truly shine. Each component is carefully chosen for its role in flavor, creaminess, or texture, coming together in harmony to create a dish that is both rich and inviting.
- 3 Tablespoons Butter – Salted: Adds a rich, creamy base and helps sauté the onions perfectly.
- 1 Medium Onion – Chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 4 Tablespoons Flour: Creates a smooth thickening agent for the sauce.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: Enhances every other flavor within the casserole.
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper: Adds a mild kick that balances the richness.
- 1 Cup Milk: Makes the sauce creamy without heaviness.
- ½ Cup Cream: Elevates the luxurious texture of the casserole sauce.
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese – Shredded: Melts beautifully, imparting sharpness and gooey goodness.
- 3 ½ Cups Carrots – Sliced (cooked until just tender and drained): Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color for a fresh, tender bite.
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes: Adds a hint of herbal brightness and color contrast.
- 3 Tablespoons Butter – Salted (for topping): Binds crunchy cornflakes and enriches the topping flavor.
- 2 Cups Cornflakes: Creates that signature crispy, golden crust that everyone loves.
How to Make Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously spray a 9×11 baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out effortlessly once it’s baked to perfection.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for your cheesy sauce, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Create the Roux
Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper after the onions have softened. Continue cooking this mixture for at least 3 minutes until it turns bubbly and fragrant, which ensures your sauce develops a lovely, nutty flavor without any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it thicken. Once it coats the back of a spoon, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully, creating a creamy, luscious sauce. Finally, fold in the cooked carrots and dried parsley to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cheesy carrot mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top to create a level surface that will hold our crunchy topping beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a medium bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and gently toss the cornflakes until they’re fully coated in the buttery goodness. This will create a perfectly crisp and golden crust. Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the top of the carrot mixture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The dish should bubble slightly, and the topping will turn a beautiful golden brown, adding that irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy carrots below.
How to Serve Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe, try sprinkling freshly chopped chives or a few extra dried parsley flakes before serving. These simple touches add a bright, fresh note and make your casserole look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with protein-forward dishes like roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a holiday ham. It also complements green salads and steamed veggies, balancing richness with freshness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for a charming presentation. You can also layer some additional grated cheese on top before baking for extra cheesiness, or sprinkle toasted nuts over the cornflake crust for an added texture surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight meals or for preparing in advance.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping regains its crispiness. Avoid using the microwave if you want to preserve the delightful crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers a classic sharpness, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend for a unique flavor twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Is this casserole suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe is perfect for vegetarians since it contains no meat. Just double-check that your cheese uses vegetarian-friendly rennet if this is important to you.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or even diced potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful to cook them until tender before adding.
What can I substitute for cornflakes if I don’t have any?
If cornflakes are not on hand, crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crispy fried onions can provide a similar crunchy topping. Just toss with melted butter for the best results.
How do I make sure the carrots are cooked just right?
To achieve tender but not mushy carrots, steam or simmer sliced carrots until you can easily pierce them with a fork but they still hold their shape. Drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites thanks to its perfect blend of creaminess, cheesy richness, and that addictive crunch on top. It’s a joy to share with family and friends, and once you try it, I bet it will find a special place on your dinner table too. Don’t hesitate to dive right in and make this comfort-filled classic your own!
Print
Cheesy Carrot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Carrot Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring tender carrots enveloped in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy cornflake crust. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it combines rich textures and classic flavors in an easy-to-make baked casserole.
Ingredients
Sauce and Filling
- 3 Tablespoons Butter – Salted
- 1 medium onion – chopped
- 4 Tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese – shredded
- 3 ½ cups carrots – sliced, cooked until just tender and drained
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Topping
- 3 Tablespoons Butter – Salted (divided: 1 tablespoon for sauce, 2 tablespoons for topping)
- 2 cups cornflakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray or grease a 9×11 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring for at least 3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and forms a thick paste, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Gradually add the milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to thicken. Once thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. Then mix in the cooked carrots and dried parsley flakes evenly into the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread this cheesy carrot mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the cornflakes and gently stir until thoroughly coated with butter.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For best texture, cook carrots until just tender to maintain a slight firmness in the casserole.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Use salted butter to enhance flavor; if unsalted butter is used, adjust salt accordingly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
