Cheddar Carrot Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Cheddar Carrot Casserole, a delightful twist on a classic side dish that's sure to steal the spotlight at any meal. Tender slices of carrots are blanketed in a luscious, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, seasoned with a touch of garlic powder for depth and flavor. This hearty casserole is crowned with a golden layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs, tossed with olive oil for a perfectly crunchy finish. Quick to prep and bake, it’s ready to impress in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color, and serve it warm alongside your favorite mains for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfectly cheesy and irresistibly creamy, this Cheddar Carrot Casserole breathes new life into everyday vegetables!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 medium carrots
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

Step 2

Peel the carrots and slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook for 5 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 7

In a large bowl, combine the cooked carrots and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat the carrots evenly.

Step 8

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 10

Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1274.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2242.7

Total Fat 161.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 407.9mg	0%
Sodium 4613.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 127.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.9g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 86.2g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 2384.0mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 2337.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.9%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 22.1%