When it comes to side dishes that pair perfectly with holiday meals, Carrot Casserole is a winner! This cheesy, creamy, and crispy casserole is an irresistible addition to any table. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With tender carrots enveloped in a savory cheese sauce, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Carrot Casserole
Carrot casserole may sound simple, but its combination of sweet, tender carrots and rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy croutons creates a dish that is nothing short of perfection. Not only does it make a delicious side dish, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups sliced carrots
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 can (10-3/4 oz) undiluted cream of celery soup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
How to Make Carrot Casserole:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13×9 casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Cook the Carrots to Perfection
Chop the carrots into rounds and boil them until fork-tender, then drain and set aside for later.
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt butter, cook onions until translucent, then stir in cream of celery soup, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar to make a smooth cheese sauce.
Combine Carrots and Cheese Sauce, Then Bake
Add the cooked carrots to the cheese sauce, mix well, then transfer to the casserole dish. Top with croutons and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy Your Delicious Carrot Casserole
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Tips for the Best Carrot Casserole
- Cook the Carrots Thoroughly: Be sure to cook the carrots until they are fork-tender before assembling the casserole. This ensures that they won’t remain undercooked when baked.
- Evenly Chop the Carrots: To ensure uniform cooking, chop the carrots into even-sized pieces.
- Substitute Soups: If cream of celery soup isn’t to your liking, you can substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or even heavy cream for a different twist.
- Make Ahead: You can cook the carrots and prepare the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the casserole with croutons and butter before baking.
Can I Make This Carrot Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make parts of this recipe ahead of time to save on preparation. The carrots and cheese sauce can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just add the croutons and butter and pop it into the oven.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:
- In the Fridge: Allow the casserole to cool, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze leftovers for up to 6 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven.
Variations on This Recipe:
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For an extra buttery crunch, you can top your casserole with crushed Ritz crackers or even some grated Parmesan cheese.
- Carrot Soufflé: If you prefer a lighter, fluffier version of this dish, try making a carrot soufflé instead of the traditional casserole.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
Related recipes
- If you’re looking for more delicious casserole ideas, check out Cheesy Penne Garlic Butter Ground Beef for another easy-to-make comfort food.
- Need a hearty dish to pair with your casserole? Try the Cabbage Roll Soup for a cozy meal that complements this cheesy side dish.
- Looking for something light? The Cucumber Tomato Salad makes a refreshing side to balance the richness of the carrot casserole.
Carrot Casserole: The Perfect Cheesy Side Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cheesy, creamy, and crispy casserole made with tender carrots, savory cheese sauce, and topped with crunchy croutons. The perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 cups sliced carrots
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 can (10-3/4 oz) undiluted cream of celery soup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 casserole dish.
- Chop the carrots into rounds and place them in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the cream of celery soup, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked carrots and cheese sauce, stirring to coat. Transfer the mixture into the casserole dish. Top with seasoned croutons and drizzle with remaining butter.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the carrots are fork-tender before baking. You can also substitute the cream of celery soup with other cream-based soups or heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Final thoughts
Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this Carrot Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The combination of sweet carrots, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy croutons will have your guests asking for the recipe. Easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, it’s a must-try dish! Enjoy this festive side with your favorite main courses and savor the compliments that come your way.
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