I’m extremely excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes – the Mixed Vegetable Casserole. This dish has a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first recipes I learned from my grandmother. She used to prepare it during the holidays, and it quickly became a family favorite. This casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients from various vegetables, making it a healthy choice for everyone at the table. What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any mixed vegetables you have on hand, making it a perfect dish to clear out your fridge. It’s also super easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps. It’s a great recipe for beginners or anyone in need of a quick, comforting meal. Plus, the addition of sharp cheese gives it a unique, mouth-watering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 1 c. chopped onions
- 1 c. grated sharp cheese
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise
- salt and pepper to taste
Baking Instructions
- Cook frozen vegetables 15 minutes.
- Drain.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Put in casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Cook for 20 minutes in a 350° oven.
Calorie: 250
Total cooking time: 45 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Chronicles of a Veggie Casserole
The other day, my stomach was growling louder than an angry bear, and the fridge was as barren as a desert. I had nothing but a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, a couple of stalks of celery, an onion, some sharp cheese, and a jar of mayonnaise. Oh, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, if we’re counting condiments as actual ingredients. So, I did what any self-respecting, hungry food blogger would do – I combined them into a Mixed Vegetable Casserole.
The Humbling Beginning
First things first, I had to cook the 10 oz. bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Easier said than done. The little digital numbers on my microwave seemed to mock me as I tried to figure out the correct time. After 15 minutes of staring contest with my microwave, the veggies were ready. I let out a sigh of relief, only to be met with a cloud of hot steam right in my face. Note to self, never sigh in front of a microwave.
The Great Drain and Mix
After the quick facial sauna from the microwave, I had to drain the veggies. Now, if you’ve never had to drain hot veggies before, let me just say, it’s like playing hot potato with your bare hands. But, after a couple of juggling acts and a mild burn, the veggies were successfully drained.
Next in line were the chopped celery and onions. The chopping part wasn’t an issue. It’s just that onions are such drama queens. They make you cry every time you chop them. In between wiping my tears and chopping celery and onions, I had a good cry… I mean, chop.
The grand mixing ceremony was next. I mixed the veggies, celery, onions, grated cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. It was like a potluck in a bowl.
Casserole Dish Chronicles
The next step was to put all the mixed ingredients into a casserole dish, which went smoothly. I mean, how hard could it be to dump everything into a dish, right? But then, I had to top it with bread crumbs. I felt like a master chef sprinkling magic dust over a culinary masterpiece.
Bake it ’til You Make it
The final step was to cook the dish for 20 minutes in a 350° oven. I have a love-hate relationship with ovens. I love the food that comes out of them, but I hate waiting. So, I did the only logical thing – I stood in front of the oven, impatiently tapping my foot, and watching the cheese slowly melt.
After what felt like an eternity (20 minutes, in reality), the oven timer beeped. My Mixed Vegetable Casserole was ready. I pulled it out carefully, half-expecting it to explode in my face.
The Grand Finale
I waved my fork in the air like a conductor before a symphony, then dug into the casserole. It was cheesy, crunchy, and had just the right amount of salt. The mixed vegetables, celery, and onions had come together in a harmony that even the best orchestras couldn’t match.
All in all, it was a day of drama, tears, and burns, but at the end of it, I had a delicious Mixed Vegetable Casserole. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some leftovers calling my name.
