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This Carrot Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden, crispy croutons for that perfect crunch. 🥕✨ It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that turns humble carrots into something irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making this for a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or just because, trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Carrot Casserole Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy Goodness – The perfect balance of tender carrots, melty cheddar, and a rich, savory sauce.
- Crunchy Topping – Golden, buttery croutons (or crackers!) add the perfect textural contrast.
- Super Simple to Make – Just a few easy steps, and you’re done!
- Perfect for Holidays or Weeknights – A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any main dish.
Ingredients Carrot Casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious carrot casserole. The full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below!
For the Casserole:
- Carrots – The star of the show! Sliced for easy serving.
- Onions – Adds a rich, savory flavor when sautéed.
- Butter – Used for sautéing the onions and crisping up the topping.
- Cream of Celery Soup – Creates a creamy, flavorful base that binds everything together.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding extra richness.
For the Crunchy Topping:
- Seasoned Croutons – A shortcut topping for amazing crunch and flavor.
- Melted Butter – Helps the croutons get golden and crispy.
👉 Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Carrot Casserole Recipe
Par-Cook the Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, add the sliced carrots and cover them with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until they are crisp-tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of celery soup, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble and Bake
- Add the drained carrots to the cheesy onion mixture, stirring to coat.
- Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with seasoned croutons.
- Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the croutons.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Carrot Casserole Recipe
- Make It Extra Cheesy – Add an extra handful of shredded cheddar on top before baking.
- Switch Up the Topping – No croutons? Use crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead!
- Boost the Flavor – Try adding garlic, orange zest, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
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- Don’t Overcook the Carrots – Keep them crisp-tender so they don’t turn mushy in the oven.
How to Serve Carrot Casserole Recipe
This Carrot Casserole pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or beef. Here are some ideas:
- Holiday Feasts – A perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
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- With Grilled Meats – Serve alongside steak, pork chops, or barbecue for a delicious contrast.
- Brunch Side – Works great with scrambled eggs and biscuits for a cozy breakfast casserole vibe.
🍬 Looking for a fun, colorful treat to serve alongside brunch? Try these Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes—chewy, fruity, and totally nostalgic!👉👉Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes Recipe…
Variations for Carrot Casserole Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun and delicious twists on the classic Carrot Casserole to suit different tastes and dietary needs!
🥦 Add More Veggies
- Swap out half of the carrots for parsnips, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in peas, green beans, or spinach for added color and nutrients.
🧄 Flavor Boosters
- Stir in minced garlic or onion powder for extra depth.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a warm, slightly smoky kick.
- A sprinkle of orange zest adds a subtle citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with carrots!
🧀 Extra Cheesy Goodness
- Try mixing in Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack cheese for a richer, more complex taste.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top before baking for a gooey, melty finish.
🍣 Want to explore something totally different? If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, check out this guide on Nigiri vs. Sashimi—what’s the real difference between the two?👉👉 What Is Nigiri vs. Sashimi?…
🥓 Make It Meaty
- Crispy bacon bits or diced ham make this casserole even more indulgent!
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken to turn it into a hearty main dish.
🌿 Make It Lighter
- Swap the cream of celery soup for Greek yogurt or a homemade white sauce to lighten it up.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour crumbs instead of croutons for a healthier crunch.
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Make Ahead and Storage Carrot Casserole Recipe
Storing Leftovers
- Let the casserole cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Carrot Casserole Recipe
- You can freeze this casserole, but note that the cheese sauce may have a slightly grainy texture after thawing.
- Wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
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- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.Carrot Casserole Recipe.
Reheating Carrot Casserole Recipe
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs Carrot Casserole Recipe
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except for the croutons, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the croutons and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different soup instead of cream of celery?
Absolutely! Cream of mushroom, chicken, or even homemade white sauce works great as a substitute.
What can I use instead of croutons?
You can use crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even homemade toasted bread cubes for a similar crunchy topping.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just ensure your cream soup is vegetarian, and you’re good to go!
🥬 Looking for another comforting veggie dish? Check out The Truth About Escarole and Beans—a hearty, nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor!👉👉The Truth About Escarole and Beans…
This Carrot Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just a cozy family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! 🥕🧀💛
Print
Carrot Casserole Recipe–Creamy, Cheesy & Crunchy
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Carrot Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy, buttery croutons for the perfect crunch! A delicious and easy side dish that’s great for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks. The sweetness of carrots, combined with a savory cheese sauce and golden topping, makes this a comforting favorite!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Carrots – The star of the dish, sliced for easy serving.
- Onions – Adds a rich, savory depth.
- Butter – Used for sautéing and crisping up the topping.
- Cream of Celery Soup – A creamy base that binds everything together.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra richness.
For the Crunchy Topping:
- Seasoned Croutons – Adds texture and flavor.
- Melted Butter – Helps the croutons become crispy and golden.
Instructions
1️⃣ Par-Cook the Carrots
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sliced carrots in a pot of water until crisp-tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter and sauté onions until soft.
- Stir in cream of celery soup, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Add the drained carrots to the cheesy onion mixture and stir to coat.
- Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Top with seasoned croutons and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool for a couple of minutes, then serve warm!
Notes
- Switch up the topping – Use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs instead of croutons.
- Add more flavor – Try garlic, orange zest, or smoked paprika.
- Make ahead – Assemble the casserole a day in advance, then bake before serving.
- Storage – Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about ½ cup)
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: carrot casserole, cheesy carrot bake, creamy carrot dish, baked carrots, vegetable casserole, easy side dish, holiday casserole