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Close-up of crispy golden-brown tater tots glistening with oil atop a bubbling cheddar and mushroom vegetable bake.
FL Recipes

The Ultimate Cheesy Winter Vegetable Casserole

This exceptional Winter Vegetable Casserole features tender broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower in a savory mushroom cheddar sauce, all topped with crispy, golden-brown baked tater tots.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Winter Vegetable Casserole Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (180g) chopped into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cup orange carrots (130g) peeled and evenly diced
  • 2 cups white cauliflower florets (200g) cut to match broccoli size
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms (225g) finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (45g)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (25g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
  • 2 cups yellow cheddar cheese (225g) freshly grated
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (6g)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper (1g) freshly cracked
  • 16 oz frozen tater tots (450g)
  • 2 tbsp fresh green parsley (8g) finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch Rectangular Ceramic Baking Dish Essential for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Large Saucepan For sautéing mushrooms and building the cheese sauce.
  • 1 Silicone Whisk Crucial for a smooth, lump-free béchamel.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and cook for 2 more minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice-water bath. Drain well and pat dry.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until deeply browned and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the whole milk. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick, then remove from heat and stir in the grated yellow cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gently fold the blanched vegetables into the cheese sauce until coated. Spread evenly into a 9x13-inch rectangular ceramic baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a neat, single layer across the top.
  5. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are highly textured, golden-brown, and the sauce is bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalProtein: 14gFat: 24gFiber: 5g

Notes

Tip 1. Grate your own cheddar cheese off the block for the smoothest melting texture.
Tip 2. Dry your blanched vegetables thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce.
Keyword Cheesy Vegetable Bake,tater tot casserole,winter vegetable casserole

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