Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole

Name: Sunday Baked Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups cauliflower florets; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup chopped bell peppers; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

We love having a hearty dish ready for Sunday dinners, and this Baked Vegetable Casserole never disappoints! With layers of seasonal vegetables, creamy sauce, and a golden-brown topping, it has become a family favorite. The wonderful blend of flavors mingles perfectly while baking, creating a comforting home-cooked aroma. It's a true celebration of simplicity and freshness, making it an ideal dish for gathering around the table with loved ones. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies that might be lingering in the fridge!

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-13T20:10:16.556Z

When I first experimented with this casserole, I was amazed by how easily it all came together. Utilizing whatever vegetables I had on hand led to a unique mix each time, making the dish versatile and fun. I remember using zucchini and bell peppers in one batch, and it was a total hit!

Every time I serve this casserole, everyone goes back for seconds. The key is to pre-cook the vegetables slightly – it not only enhances their flavor but also ensures they don’t get too mushy while baking. I recommend topping it off with some fresh herbs for an extra burst of freshness!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Colorful and nutritious blend of seasonal vegetables
Versatile, allowing for swaps and variations based on what's in season
Comforting, creamy texture that warms your heart and soul

      

Layering for Maximum Flavor

When assembling your baked vegetable casserole, the order in which you layer your ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving the best flavor. Start with a layer of sautéed vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a cohesive dish. Additionally, make sure to distribute the vegetables evenly to ensure that each bite contains a balanced mixture of flavors, textures, and colors.

If you find yourself with more vegetables than you can use, feel free to adjust the ratios or incorporate different veggies based on your tastes or what you have on hand. For example, zucchini, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes can add different textures and flavors to your casserole without disrupting the recipe's core essence.

The Role of Cream and Cheese

The heavy cream in this recipe not only provides creaminess but also helps to bind the flavors and ingredients together, creating a cohesive filling. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a creamy plant-based alternative, though be aware this may alter the final flavor and texture slightly. The cheese, particularly the cheddar, adds a rich, sharp quality that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the sautéed vegetables.

For those who prefer a vegan alternative, consider using a vegan cheese made from nuts or soy. It provides a similar melt and flavor profile, making it an excellent substitute. But keep in mind that vegan cheeses may vary in creaminess, so you might want to adjust the amount of cream or thickeners used.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Baked Vegetable Casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the entire dish, then cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to deepen. Just ensure you bake it straight from the fridge, allowing for an additional 10–15 minutes of bake time to ensure it’s heated through.

When serving, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread, allowing the richness of the dish to shine while balancing it with lighter flavors. Don’t be afraid to garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make a wholesome baked vegetable casserole:

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme

These simple ingredients come together to create a hearty dish perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Baked Vegetable Casserole:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Sauté the vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Then add the carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.

Assemble the casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer the sautéed vegetables evenly. Pour the cream mixture over the veggies, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and top it with breadcrumbs.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! You can also add cooked proteins like chicken or beans for added nutrition.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your casserole comes out runny, it may be due to excess liquid released from the vegetables during baking. To combat this, try sautéing the veggies a bit longer before assembling, allowing moisture to evaporate. Also, consider adding a thickener like cornstarch to the cream mixture to achieve your desired consistency.

On the other hand, if the top of your casserole isn't browning as desired, you might need to increase the baking time slightly or place it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and remove it from the oven once it reaches that beautiful golden hue.

Scaling Up or Down

Scaling this recipe up for a larger crowd is simple! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, ensuring that the vegetables are still layered evenly for consistent cooking. You may need to extend the baking time slightly; keep an eye on the casserole and adjust as necessary based on your oven’s quirks.

Conversely, if you're cooking for fewer people, you can easily halve the recipe. Just be cautious with your baking dish size; using a smaller dish will help it cook evenly, avoiding undercooked vegetables in the center and overcooked edges.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well; just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

→ How can I make this casserole lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with a light cream or a mixture of sour cream and skim milk.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread.