If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that turns humble winter vegetables into something extraordinary, this Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Tater Tots Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. Packed with tender broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots all nestled in a rich, cheesy sauce and crowned with irresistibly crispy tater tots, this casserole is the perfect blend of creamy textures and crispy bites. It’s a celebration of winter produce that feels indulgent yet homey, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a savory punch, or a golden, crunchy finish that keeps you coming back for more.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly crunchy texture.
- Sliced carrots (1 ½ cups): Brings a touch of natural sweetness and bright orange hue.
- Cauliflower florets (2 cups): Offers a mild, buttery flavor that complements the mix.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can – 10.5 oz): Provides the creamy base with umami richness.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Adds tangy creaminess to balance the cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 ½ cups): Melts into gooey deliciousness and forms a cheesy crust.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle savory notes without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor subtly and beautifully.
- Frozen tater tots (1 bag – 28 to 32 oz): Tops the casserole with irresistible crunch and a golden finish.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish so that your casserole doesn’t stick and everything bakes evenly. This preheating ensures the casserole cooks perfectly from the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture is where all the flavors start to meld together, forming the smooth, savory coating that will hug every piece of vegetable.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now add the broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to your creamy mixture. Stir well to make sure that each piece is generously coated. This is where the hearty winter veggies get their signature indulgent touch, ensuring every bite is flavorful and rich.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture
Spread this heavenly vegetable and cream mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Take your time here to keep the veggies distributed so everyone gets an even share of cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese all over the top. This extra layer will melt beautifully and help bind the casserole together beneath the crispy tots.
Step 6: Top with Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. This is the magical finishing touch that adds not just texture but also that playful, golden crunch that turns this dish into a total crowd favorite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mixture is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots have turned a gorgeous golden brown. The scent alone will tempt everyone to the table.
Step 8: Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness
If you want to take your topping up a notch, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. This step crisps the tater tots to perfection, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This short rest lets everything set just right, making it easier to scoop beautiful portions without losing that melty cheesiness.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh flavor boost, then serve warm. This last touch adds a lovely brightness that complements the richness perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley not only gives a beautiful pop of green but also introduces a subtle freshness that balances the rich flavors. Feel free to experiment with a little crumbled crispy bacon or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce will be just right. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple coleslaw can also add nice texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for a personal portion that impresses guests. Alternatively, create a layered casserole by alternating the creamy vegetable mixture with tater tots for a visually stunning presentation. It’s wonderful for potlucks or holiday dinners where presentation counts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Tater Tots Recipe reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain moisture and prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen with a little extra time. Cooked leftovers freeze well too but may lose some crispness in the tots after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, around 15-20 minutes, to help restore that crispiness on top. Microwaving is quicker, but you might lose the delightful crunch of the tater tots.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen or canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower works wonderfully and adds a lovely texture. Just make sure to steam or lightly cook them first so they’re tender before mixing with the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free version or homemade mushroom sauce, use non-dairy sour cream and cheese alternatives, and choose vegan tater tots. The flavors might differ slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Green beans, peas, or even chopped kale can be fantastic additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender and well-coated in the creamy sauce.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can easily make your own by combining sautéed mushrooms with a simple béchamel sauce or use cream of chicken or celery soup for a slight flavor variation.
How spicy is this casserole?
This dish is mild and creamy with no heat, making it great for all ages and flavor preferences. However, if you like a bit of a bite, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños would spice it up nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Tater Tots Recipe is a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings that call for comfort food that’s both hearty and full of flavor. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for those days when you want something easy to prepare, yet totally satisfying. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this gem with the people you love—it’s one recipe that speaks warmth, simplicity, and pure deliciousness.
Print
Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Loaded with broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower mixed into a creamy blend of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, it’s topped with crispy golden tater tots for a delightful textural contrast. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole makes an excellent side or vegetarian main that serves 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
Creamy Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 bag (28–32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and cauliflower florets into the creamy mixture. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Transfer Mixture: Spread this vegetable and cream mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy topping, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set slightly for easier serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your creamy winter vegetable casserole.
Notes
- The parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh color and flavor contrast to the dish.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken soup if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use lactose-free sour cream and cheese alternatives.
- Make sure to arrange tater tots in a single layer for even crisping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for the best texture retention.
