Make this easy, comforting vegetable casserole featuring a medley of vegetables in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It is a family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday side dishes.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, frozen peas, and the cheese sauce. Mix gently until all vegetables are coated.
Pour the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.
Notes
For a kid-friendly version, use only broccoli and carrots, and increase the cheddar cheese slightly.
You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or crushed potato chips for a different topping texture.
If you use frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them well before mixing them into the sauce to prevent a watery casserole.