Carrots Au Gratin is a rich, cheesy casserole with a buttery, crispy topping that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a festive meal, this dish is the perfect side to impress your guests and family alike. With a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
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What Is Carrots Au Gratin?
The term “Au Gratin” refers to a French cooking style where a dish is baked with a topping that becomes crispy and golden, often using breadcrumbs. In this recipe, we swap traditional breadcrumbs for savory vegetable crackers, adding a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy carrots beneath. The result? A delicious and comforting side dish that combines the best of both textures and flavors.
Ingredients for Carrots Au Gratin
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful casserole:
- 3 cups of carrots (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons of yellow onions (chopped)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup of milk (oat milk for a vegan option)
- 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese (dairy-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup of savory butter crackers (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons of parsley (chopped)
How to Steam Carrots
Before baking, it’s important to steam your carrots to the right tenderness. You can use either of the following methods:
Microwave
Place the sliced carrots in a glass bowl and use the steam setting for about 4 minutes, or until tender.
Stovetop
Place sliced carrots in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes.
Both methods will give you perfectly tender carrots for your casserole!
How to Make Carrots Au Gratin
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish for your Carrots Au Gratin casserole.
Step 2: Steam the Carrots to Tender Perfection
Steam the carrots until they are fork-tender (refer to the steaming methods above). Set them aside to cool slightly before adding to the casserole.
Step 3: Sauté Onions for a Flavorful Base
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Create a Thick and Creamy Gravy for Carrots Au Gratin
Stir in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 1 minute, allowing the mixture to thicken and form a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine with Steamed Carrots
Reduce the heat to low, then add the Parmesan cheese (or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option). Stir until the cheese is fully melted, and then fold in the steamed carrots. Pour the creamy carrot mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the carrots evenly.
Step 6: Top the Casserole with a Crunchy, Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter with the crushed crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for that signature crispy Carrots Au Gratin topping.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole for 15 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and crispy. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, enjoying your perfectly baked Carrots Au Gratin.
FAQs
Yes, you can skip the cracker topping. While it adds a delightful crunch, the casserole will still be creamy and delicious. For a lighter topping, consider using Panko breadcrumbs.
While fresh carrots are ideal, frozen carrots can be used as a substitute. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 16631 IU
- Calcium: 208mg
Carrots Au Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Carrots Au Gratin is a rich, cheesy casserole with a buttery, crispy topping that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a festive meal, this dish is the perfect side to impress your guests and family alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of carrots (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons of yellow onions (chopped)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup of milk (oat milk for a vegan option)
- 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese (dairy-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup of savory butter crackers (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons of parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Steam the carrots until they are fork-tender using your preferred method (microwave or stovetop). Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to cook for 1 minute until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the Parmesan cheese (or vegan cheese). Stir until fully melted, then fold in the steamed carrots. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread the carrots evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter with the crushed crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and crispy. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can skip the cracker topping, but it adds a delightful crunch. For a lighter topping, consider using Panko breadcrumbs. Fresh carrots work best, but frozen carrots can be used if thawed and drained well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Final thoughts
Carrots Au Gratin is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, rich cheese, and crispy topping create a wonderful balance that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast, this recipe will surely impress.
For more recipe inspiration, check out the Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes or Breakfast Potatoes Recipe to complete your meal
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