Creamy Vegetable Casserole

I add extra white pepper to this veggie bake for a little extra kick. I’ve used an Italian cheese blend instead of Swiss, and the results were equally good.

—CHRISTIE NELSON TAYLORVILLE, IL



PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


2 cups fresh baby carrots

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups fresh cauliflowerets

3/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups half-and-half cream

1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 15 crackers)

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place carrots in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam 3 minutes.

2. Add broccoli and cauliflower; steam 5 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a greased 2 1/2-qt. baking dish.

3. In a large skillet, saute mushrooms in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in cream, bouillon, onion powder and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese.

4. Pour over vegetables and stir to coat. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs. Bake, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.