master-cooks | Creamy Carrot Casserole Recipe

The Creamy Carrot Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that blends tender carrots with a rich and savory sauce, making it an ideal side dish for family gatherings or holiday meals. To prepare this casserole, start by peeling and slicing fresh carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Boil or steam the carrots until they are just tender, then drain and set aside. In a separate saucepan, create a creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth and depth of flavor. Combine the cooked carrots with the creamy sauce and transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. For a delightful crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. The result is a luscious blend of sweet carrots and savory creaminess, with a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb topping. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering both comfort and sophistication with every bite.

Gather the ingredients for creamy carrot casserole

To prepare this recipe, you'll require garlic and 2 pounds of carrots from the fresh produce section. Head to the dairy aisle to pick up some unsalted butter and heavy cream. It's essential to use unsalted butter since we will be adding a fair amount of salt to the dish. In addition to salt, ensure your pantry has pepper, all-purpose flour, and panko breadcrumbs for the crispy topping of the casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center.

Step 2: Prepare a baking dish

Gently apply a thin layer of butter to a 2-quart casserole dish or an 11x9-inch baking pan. Put aside.

Step 3: Add butter to a pan

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Cook the carrots in the pan

Once the foam has diminished, incorporate the carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the carrots begin to brown, which should take around 7 minutes.

Step 5: Add flour

Gradually add flour to the carrots while stirring continuously. Cook until the flour becomes golden brown, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add cream

Gradually add the cream while continuously stirring, bring to a boil, and then take it off the heat.

Step 7: Bake the casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Put it in the oven and bake until the cream is bubbling and the carrots are tender when pierced with a knife, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 8: Add more butter to a pan

In the meantime, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Step 9: Add the garlic

Once the foam decreases, incorporate the garlic and sauté until the butter starts to turn golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 10: Add the breadcrumbs

Incorporate the breadcrumbs into the pan and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir occasionally until the panko turns a light golden brown and is toasted, which should take around 5 minutes.

Step 11: Discard the garlic

Move the breadcrumb mixture to a medium bowl and throw away the garlic.

Step 12: Let the casserole rest

Once the casserole is done, take off the foil and let it rest for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 13: Add the breadcrumbs and serve

Evenly distribute toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.

Can I make this creamy carrot casserole ahead?

For holiday gatherings or any occasion throughout the year, it's beneficial to have recipes that can be prepared in advance, allowing you to save time on the day of the event. In this instance, there are a few steps in the preparation process that can be completed the day before you plan to serve the carrot casserole. The breadcrumb topping can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This is particularly convenient as it involves using a frying pan that will need to be cleaned afterward.

Another step that can be done ahead of time is chopping the carrots. You can prepare them a day in advance, cover them with a damp paper towel, and store them in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.

If you have any leftover creamy casserole, it will keep well for several days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply use the microwave or oven.

What can I pair with creamy carrot casserole?

This rich carrot casserole complements a range of side dishes, making for a well-rounded and fulfilling meal. It pairs wonderfully with any protein choice, such as grilled or roasted chicken, baked fish, or glazed ham. For those following a vegetarian diet, options like cubed marinated tofu, tofu steaks, grilled tempeh, or a lentil loaf are excellent alternatives.

To add some freshness, a crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens, radishes, cucumbers, and a zesty dressing would be delightful. Other salad options include a Caesar salad with a creamy dressing or a vibrant green bean and tomato panzanella, both of which can enhance the meal's freshness.

Additional side dishes that complement the casserole include creamy mashed potatoes, steamed brown rice, herbed couscous, sautéed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or steamed spinach. Round out the meal with a side of garlic bread, dinner rolls, a baguette, or whole-grain bread.

Creamy Carrot Casserole Recipe