I Can't Believe It's Carrots Casserole

Transform your vegetable side dish game with the delightful "I Can't Believe It's Carrots Casserole," a rich and creamy marriage of tender carrots and cheesy goodness. Perfectly cooked carrot slices are coated in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce enhanced with a touch of sour cream and aromatic spices like garlic and onion powder. Topped with a golden crust of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this 40-minute baked casserole is a harmonious blend of textures—smooth, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy. It's a family-friendly, veggie-forward dish that's ideal for holiday spreads, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this standout recipe will have everyone asking, “Are you sure this is just carrots?”

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 cups carrots
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups sour cream
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Steam or boil the carrots until just tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Fold in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Gently combine the cheese sauce with the cooked carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the carrot mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 11

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1728.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2556.4

Total Fat 169.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 480.1mg	0%
Sodium 5808.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.5g	0%
Total Sugars 69.5g
Protein 109.5g	0%

Vitamin D 269.4IU	0%
Calcium 3089.5mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 3402.2mg	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: 57.8%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 25.6%