Description
A delightful blend of fresh vegetables and creamy cheese, this Low-Calorie Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley (or 1 teaspoon dry)
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced basil (or 1 teaspoon dry)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 dashes hot sauce (optional for heat)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 15–20 butter crackers, crushed
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Steam the vegetables: Begin by placing sliced carrots in a steamer pot and steaming for 5 minutes. Next, add the broccoli and cauliflower and continue steaming for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything reaches a delightful tenderness. Drain and transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish, adding the zucchini, red pepper, onion, garlic, parsley, and basil. Gently toss to combine.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and optional hot sauce. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Pour this heavenly cheese blend over the vegetables in the casserole dish, stirring to ensure each piece gets coated.
- Make the topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed butter crackers, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand and set it aside.
- Bake & serve: Generously sprinkle the cracker mixture over the cheesy vegetable medley. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg