Surprising Carrot Casserole

Discover the unexpected delight of a **Surprising Carrot Casserole**, a comforting side dish that transforms humble carrots into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Featuring tender rounds of carrots bathed in a luscious cheese sauce made with cream cheese and sharp cheddar, this casserole is topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust that adds just the right amount of texture. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe balances rich, savory flavors with a hint of freshness from optional parsley garnish. Ready in just over an hour, it's a simple yet impressive dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a crisp green salad. If you're searching for a unique carrot recipe that will wow your guests, this casserole is a must-try! **Keywords:** carrot casserole recipe, creamy carrot side dish, cheesy carrot bake, vegetable casseroles, easy holiday side dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 900 grams carrots
• 60 grams butter, unsalted
• 30 grams all-purpose flour
• 375 milliliters milk
• 120 grams cream cheese, softened
• 150 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 75 grams breadcrumbs
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 15 milliliters olive oil
• 15 grams fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the carrots and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 6

Combine the cooked carrots with the cheese sauce in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and olive oil until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy this surprisingly creamy and flavorful carrot casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1509.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1638.1

Total Fat 92.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5g
Cholesterol 215.8mg	0%
Sodium 5199.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.8g	0%
Total Sugars 67.1g
Protein 53.3g	0%

Vitamin D 170.2IU	0%
Calcium 1410.1mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 3647.2mg	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: 48.6%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 38.9%