Go Back

Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole

A balanced and flavorful casserole packed with winter vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 2 cups butternut squash or sweet potato, peeled and cubed Either butternut squash or sweet potato works well.
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced on the diagonal
  • 3 cups kale or Swiss chard, stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cream or full-fat Greek yogurt See substitutions.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Plus zest.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko.
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Method
 

Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  2. Arrange vegetables cut-side down to encourage browning.
Roast the Vegetables
  1. Roast until edges are caramelized and centers are tender, about 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  2. If you’re short on time, sauté halved Brussels sprouts and diced squash in a skillet over medium-high heat until caramelized.
Wilt the Greens
  1. In a large skillet, sauté onion in a splash of oil until translucent. Add garlic, then kale; pour in 1/4 cup broth and cover to steam for 3–4 minutes until tender.
  2. Removing excess liquid from wilted greens prevents a watery casserole.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. Lower heat and add cream (or Greek yogurt/cashew cream) to the skillet with mustard, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and remaining broth. Warm gently and stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning.
  2. If using yogurt, temper by stirring a spoonful of warm liquid into the yogurt before adding to the pan.
Combine and Assemble
  1. Fold roasted vegetables into the sauce, then add wilted greens and most of the herbs. Transfer into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Top with panko mixed with parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. Want extra crunch? Scatter pumpkin seeds on top before baking.
Bake
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until edges bubble and topping is golden.
  2. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove, let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle remaining herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

Store cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, assemble unbaked and freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight and bake as directed.