Holiday Carrot Casserole
This Holiday Carrot Casserole recipe is a delightful side dish that will add a burst of flavor to your next holiday feast. The combination of carrots and creamy sauce makes for a rich and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook the carrots in boiling water until tender, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cooked carrots in the greased baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Prepare
This Holiday Carrot Casserole is fairly simple to prepare. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious side dish:
- Cook the carrots until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in flour until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cooked carrots in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs and melted butter mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Preparation Time
This Holiday Carrot Casserole requires approximately 20 minutes of preparation time.
Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of this Holiday Carrot Casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 10g
Tips
Here are a few tips to enhance the flavor and presentation of this Holiday Carrot Casserole:
- Top the casserole with additional shredded cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
- Sprinkle some paprika on the top before baking to add a hint of color.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Swiss, for a unique flavor profile.
- Garnish the finished casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen carrots if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before incorporating them into the casserole.
Q: Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. However, keep in mind that the flavor and consistency of the casserole may vary.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Enjoy this delicious Holiday Carrot Casserole as a side dish at your next gathering. Its creamy and cheesy goodness will surely impress your guests!