This Carrot Casserole is a delightful combination of tender carrots, creamy sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's a perfect side dish for any occasion, and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. The carrots are cooked until tender in a flavorful broth, then mixed with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The casserole is finished off with a layer of breadcrumbs for added texture and baked to perfection. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your household!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the carrots and set them aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and well combined with the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the cooked carrots to the cheese sauce and gently mix until all the carrots are coated.
- Transfer the carrot mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the carrots.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Carrot Casserole as a side dish with your favorite main course!
Interesting Facts
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and other beneficial nutrients.
The orange color of carrots comes from beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Carrot Casserole is a popular dish during holiday gatherings and potlucks.
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.