Cheese Bake Broccoli Carrots (Printable)
Broccoli and carrots in creamy cheddar, topped with golden panko—comforting vegetarian bake in 50 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
02 - 2 cups carrots, sliced, fresh or frozen
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
11 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Steam or blanch broccoli florets and carrot slices in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk, whisking to form a smooth mixture. Cook until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Remove pan from heat, add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy and smooth.
05 - Gently fold steamed broccoli and carrots into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
06 - In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle evenly over the vegetable mixture.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It&aposs the kind of dish that convinces even the pickiest eaters to happily devour their veggies.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a constant favorite in my busy week.
02 -
- Once I rushed the cheese sauce and ended up with a grainy mess—patience is your friend here.
- Adding Parmesan to the topping brought a nutty savoriness I never knew I was missing.
03 -
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce set and the flavors meld.
- Always taste your cheese sauce before adding veggies; it&aposs easier to adjust seasoning before baking.