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