This creamy vegetable casserole is the ultimate comfort food made from scratch with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and a velvety cheese sauce. It comes together in about an hour and features a crispy panko topping for the perfect finish. This homemade creamy casserole is ideal for a satisfying weeknight vegetarian dinner or as a standout side dish for holiday gatherings.

I have always believed that the best meals are those that bring comfort and nourishment to the table. This easy baked vegetable casserole recipe reminds me of the cozy Sunday suppers my family enjoyed when I was growing up. The aroma of the cheese sauce bubbling away on the stove is a scent I associate with home. I love serving this alongside my honey roasted carrots for a sweet contrast or making it the star of a meal with a simple vegetable grain bowl. It has become a requested dish for our potlucks and a reliable choice when I need a make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Why This Creamy Casserole Is a Keeper

From-Scratch Flavor: A homemade roux creates a rich, creamy sauce far superior to any canned soup.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt this vegetarian dinner recipe with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble the casserole a day in advance for effortless entertaining or easy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The cheesy, bubbly finish and crispy topping are guaranteed to please both kids and adults.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Vegetable Casserole

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Vegetables and Topping

Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen works perfectly for convenience.
Sliced Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the casserole.
Frozen Corn Kernels: No need to thaw, as they cook perfectly during baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a wonderfully light and crispy topping that doesn’t get soggy.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your sauce perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your roux, which will thicken the sauce seamlessly.
Whole Milk: For the richest, creamiest texture, whole milk is my top recommendation.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded from a block melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese.

Creamy Vegetable Casserole

Easy creamy vegetable casserole with broccoli, carrots, corn, and cheese sauce. Ready in 60 minutes with golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect family dinner recipe.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 5

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
large pot
medium saucepan
whisk
oven
small bowl
cutting board
knife
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

Vegetables

1 pound fresh or frozen broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup frozen corn kernels

Cheese Sauce

0.25 cup unsalted butter, divided 1/2 stick
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp garlic powder

Topping

0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.
While the vegetables cook, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
Gradually pour in the 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk until it thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the drained broccoli, carrots, and frozen corn kernels with the creamy cheese sauce, stirring gently until all vegetables are evenly coated.
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and toss until coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Keyword casserole, cheese sauce, vegetarian

Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish

Add Protein: Stir in two cups of diced cooked chicken or a can of drained white beans for a heartier meal.
Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Extra Cheesy Version: Incorporate a half cup of grated Parmesan into the sauce or add a layer of mozzarella under the breadcrumb topping.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Achieve Perfect Vegetable Texture: Boil the broccoli and carrots just until tender-crisp to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Create a Lump-Free Sauce: Whisk the milk into the roux gradually and continuously for a perfectly smooth, creamy base.
Get a Golden Topping: For an extra crispy finish, broil the casserole for the final minute or two of baking, watching closely.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to set for 10 minutes makes it much easier to slice and serve neatly. This resting tip is just as important for my breakfast casserole.

Cozy Serving of Creamy Vegetable Casserole

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Assemble the unbaked casserole, wrap the dish tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheat: Cover with foil and warm individual portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables for this creamy vegetable casserole?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen vegetables. For a medley, use a 16-ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables. There is no need to thaw them before adding to the cheese sauce, as they will cook during the baking process. This makes the recipe even quicker for a busy weeknight.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese in this casserole?

Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a Colby jack blend are excellent substitutes that melt beautifully. For a sharper flavor, try a combination of cheddar and a little Gouda. The key is to use a good melting cheese to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?

The most important step is to drain the boiled vegetables very well. Let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to release excess steam and water. Also, ensure your cheese sauce has thickened sufficiently on the stovetop before combining everything. Letting the baked casserole rest before serving also allows the sauce to set.

Can I make this creamy vegetable casserole ahead of time?

This casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. It’s a perfect strategy for easy holiday meals, much like my sweet potato casserole.

More Cozy Casserole Recipes to Try

Make This Creamy Vegetable Casserole Tonight

With its velvety cheese sauce, crisp-tender vegetables, and satisfying crunch, this homemade creamy casserole is a recipe you will return to again and again. It is incredibly versatile, effortlessly delicious, and always brings warmth to the table. I hope it becomes a cherished part of your family’s recipe collection, just as it has in mine.

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