Carrot Bake π₯
Overview:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 337.5
Description:
This delightful Carrot Bake recipe is a cherished gem from my grandmother’s collection of vegetable bakes. With a handwritten note of approval exclaiming “good!” on it, you know it’s a winner! This dish beautifully combines tender carrots, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy cracker topping for a satisfyingly comforting experience.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 12 | Carrots |
| 1/2 | cup butter |
| 1 | cup flour |
| 1/4 | tsp salt |
| 1 | tsp dry mustard |
| 1/2 | tsp black pepper |
| 1/8 | tsp nutmeg |
| 1/4 | cup milk |
| 2 | cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 1/2 | cup cracker crumbs |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Carrots:
- Begin by washing the carrots thoroughly and slicing them into rounds.
-
Boil Carrots:
- Place the sliced carrots in a pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the carrots until they are just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the flour, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and nutmeg until well combined, creating a roux.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
-
Layer the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a 2-quart casserole dish, layer the cooked carrots and shredded cheddar cheese, alternating until you’ve used all the carrots, and ending with a layer of carrots on top.
-
Pour Sauce and Add Topping:
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the top layer of carrots in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cracker crumbs over the sauce, providing a deliciously crunchy topping.
-
Bake:
- Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Carrot Bake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve this comforting dish as a side to your favorite main course or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying vegetarian meal!
This Carrot Bake recipe is sure to become a beloved addition to your family’s mealtime repertoire, just as it has been in mine for generations. With its irresistible combination of tender carrots, creamy cheese sauce, and crunchy topping, it’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
