Carrot Casserole Is an Easy Side Dish for Any Occasion

4.8
(6)
3 Reviews

Carrot casserole is a great holiday side dish that’s both creamy and savory with just a touch of sweetness from the carrots. Coriander and dry mustard add lovely background flavors to the cream sauce. Microwaving the carrots gives them a jump-start in the cooking process and ensures that they’re cooked through. The carrots should all be sliced thinly so they cook evenly. If you have one, a mandoline can make quick work of the slicing, but a good sharp knife will also do the trick.

By
Amanda Stanfield
Amanda Stanfield Headshot
Amanda Stanfield

Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on October 25, 2023
Tested by
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine Smith
Tested by Jasmine Smith

Jasmine Smith has a blends of academic training in Culinary Nutrition and Food Science with hands-on experience while working in restaurants and volunteering at food-driven events. Jasmine continues to share her knowledge on wholesome eating with approachable cooking skills she acquired while working in the restaurant industry.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
a recipe photo of a Carrot Casserole
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian High-Protein Egg-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
a photo featuring the ingredients to make the Carrot Casserole

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
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Ingredients

  • 5 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

  • 1 teaspoon water 

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme 

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided 

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-6-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place carrots and water in a large microwaveable bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave on High until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

    a step in making the Carrot Casserole

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add panko, thyme, parsley and 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the panko is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. Wipe the pan clean.

    a step in making the Carrot Casserole

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  3. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until a smooth and slightly thickened sauce forms, about 1 minute. Add mustard, onion powder, pepper and coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.

    a step in making the Carrot Casserole

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  4. Pour half of the sauce into the prepared baking dish. Add half of the carrots; top with 1/2 cup Cheddar. Repeat with the remaining sauce, carrots and Cheddar. Top with the panko mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cover with foil.

    a step in making the Carrot Casserole

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  5. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

    a step in making the Carrot Casserole

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are carrots good for you?

    While many people equate carrots with eye health due to their high levels of the antioxidant beta carotene, these deeply colored root vegetables get credit for more than just that. The nutrients in carrots also support a healthy immune system, heart, brain and skin, and may help calm inflammation.

  • Is cheese healthy?

    Cheese is full of protein and calcium, with hard cheese—like Cheddar—containing more calcium than soft cheese. Cheese also contains probiotics—those good-for-your-gut bacteria that support not only gut health, but overall health as well. And while cheese tends to be high in saturated fat, there is some evidence that the type of saturated fat in cheese may not be harmful—and may even be helpful—to your heart.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

    As is, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the breadcrumb topping and the flour that’s used to thicken the sauce. However, you could swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of the regular flour as a thickener.

  • Why should I microwave the sliced carrots?

    Microwaving the sliced carrots for 4 to 5 minutes gives them a jump-start in the cooking process. This ensures that the carrots are tender after baking.

  • Can I use 2% milk instead of whole milk?

    Yes, you can use 2% milk as a substitute for whole milk in the casserole. The casserole will be slightly less creamy, but it won’t affect the overall flavor.

  • What can I serve with Carrot Casserole?

    This easy side dish can be prepared for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner and pairs well with many main dishes, including Crispy Roast Chicken, Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce, Slow-Roasted Rosemary Turkey with Peppercorn Gravy, Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Port Sauce and Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet-Mushroom Sauce. Serve with a side salad for a meal that the whole family will love.

  • Can I make Carrot Casserole ahead?

    Yes, the casserole can be baked ahead, cooled completely and refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

EatingWell.com, October 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

218 Calories
14g Fat
16g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 3/4 cup
Calories 218
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 8g 16%
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 35mg 12%
Vitamin A 550µg
Vitamin C 4mg 5%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 1mg 6%
Folate 27µg
Vitamin K 17µg
Sodium 334mg 15%
Calcium 234mg 18%
Iron 1mg 4%
Magnesium 29mg 7%
Potassium 299mg 6%
Zinc 1mg 12%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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