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A close-up shot of the cheesy winter vegetable casserole, showing the creamy texture and variety of roasted root vegetables.

Winter Vegetable Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

This Winter Vegetable Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a hearty mix of roasted root vegetables in a creamy, savory Gruyère and cheddar cheese sauce. It's the perfect easy, one-pan meal for a cozy winter night.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips peeled and chopped
  • 1 large sweet potato peeled and cubed
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Equipment

  • 1 Large Baking Sheet
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large saucepan

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower with olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Spread vegetables in an even layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
  3. While vegetables roast, melt 4 tbsp of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
  4. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, Gruyère, and cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Gently fold the roasted vegetables into the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 1 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the vegetables. Use two sheets if necessary to ensure they caramelize properly.
Tip 2: Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Tip 3: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
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