Recipes tagged with « Casserole »
Scalloped Potatoes Broccoli Bake
A layered casserole with thinly sliced potatoes and crisp broccoli tossed in a creamy sauce with melted cheese. Uses evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter texture and swaps cream of chicken for cream of mushroom to avoid overpowering saltiness. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Baked uncovered until bubbling and golden, signaling tender potatoes and a crunchy top. Visual cues more reliable than clocks here. Adaptable for dairy-free or vegetarian with recommended swaps. Nutty cheddar or gouda suggested to change flavor profile. This dish is about recognizing doneness through sight and smell rather than strict timing.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
A spicy creamy pasta casserole layered with shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and gooey cheddar cheese. Pasta cooked just firm to the bite, then tossed in a rich sauce of softened cream cheese, cold milk, and a zesty ranch blend. Celery and shallots add a fresh snap, while Frank's hot sauce brings heat without overwhelming. Baked until bubbly and golden on top. Adjust heat by swapping hot sauce for milder buffalo or smoky chipotle for a smoky depth. Great make-ahead. Reheats well without drying out if you add a splash of milk before nuking.
Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Bake
Mashed potatoes reworked with a creamy blend of Greek yogurt and sharp white cheddar. Garlic powder swapped for smoked paprika for subtle heat and depth. Bacon replaced by crisp pancetta for a different salty crunch. Scallions tossed in after baking add freshness. Visual cues guide doneness more than clocks. A dash of cayenne optional but wakes flavors. Method avoids overworking mash to keep fluff intact. Cheese layered before and after baking melts perfect crust. Practical notes included for texture balance, ingredient swaps, and rescue tips with watery mash.
Green Bean Tot Casserole
Ground beef browned fine, green beans drained, tater tots crisped first. Mayonnaise and cream bind with sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Celery, mushrooms, and onion softened in garlic butter. Casserole layered, baked until bubbly and browned edges tell the story. Swap sour cream for mayo or pepper jack for cheeses. Keep an eye on garlic quantities to avoid overpowering. Timing flexible, but visuals key: bubbling sides and golden top mark readiness. Protein rich, hearty, with a hit of green beans to break the richness. A comfort dish done with deliberate technique, not guesswork.
Lobster Mac Cheese
Cheesy, creamy macaroni, lobster chunks folded in, topped with crispy seasoned crumbs. Uses flour roux base for thick sauce. Panko crumbs toasted with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for crunch and flavor. Baked to meld and brown the top, lobster juices infuse pasta. Handy tweaks like Monterey Jack instead of cheddar, crab swap, or half and half dairy adjustments add variety. Solid textures and seasoning cues vital for balance. Timing flexes for bubbling, browning, and lobster warmth. Easy pantry swaps, ensuring robust, layered seafood and cheese experience in a home setup.
Hearty Cabbage Roll Bake
Ground beef browned with onions and garlic, spices layered in for depth. Minute rice cooked in beef broth with butter, tossed with simmered tomato sauce mixture. Cabbage briefly sautéed in olive oil and butter, then folded into meat-rice blend. Cheese tops the casserole before tented baking. A riff on classic cabbage rolls, done easy and infused with Worcestershire for umami punch.
Chicken Sausage Brown Rice Bake
Sear mushrooms and meat separately for max flavor. Build base with aromatic onions garlic. Wine deglaze adds brightness. Brown rice soaks up rich broth, herbs deepen character. Roasted spicy squash sides caramelize sweet, balance savory. Key is layering textures color aroma. Timing flexible; watch rice moisture chicken tenderness. Swap pleurotes for cremini or shiitake, chicken thighs stand in for drumsticks. Use turkey sausage lighter option. Oil choice affects finish; olive oil adds fruitiness, neutral oils keep background. Wine can be white vermouth or dry sherry. Oven temp moderate; adjust if top burns. Visual cues guide doneness better than clock.
Potato Ham Au Gratin
Layered potato and ham gratin with creamy texture and browned cheese top. Uses Yukon Gold potatoes swapped for Russet; smoked Gouda replaces Reblochon for a milder, smoky twist. Onions softened in olive oil, white wine replaced with dry sherry. Slow baking encourages melding flavors, cheese browns with crispy edges. Avoid peeling potatoes too early; retaining some skin adds rustic texture and keeps slices intact. Cream adds richness; opt for 30% fat to prevent curdling. Recipe adjusted for altered quantities and timing, balancing softness and bite. Simple, hearty, classic gratin with modern substitutions.
Sausage Shepherds Pie
A rustic pork sausage casserole topped with creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, packed with sautéed vegetables and a hint of smoky paprika. Serves 6 to 8. Prep and cook in just under 1 hour 30 minutes. No gluten or nuts.
Stuffed Cabbage Three Cheeses
Vegetarian layered cabbage with three cheeses, sliced root veggies, and fresh herbs. Combines wilted cabbage leaves, sautéed leek, blended triple-cream brie and washed-rind style cheese, with al dente potatoes and butternut squash, baked in a parchment-lined springform. Lightly infused milk simmers vegetables, then layered with firm cheese cubes and wrapped snugly for a slow oven finish. Balanced textures with creamy, earthy, fresh notes. No nuts, gluten, or eggs. Adapted for kitchen practicality and flavor depth, swapping wine and cheese variants for broader pantry options.
Cheesy Rustic Shepherd's Pie
Ground turkey replaces beef for lighter texture; parsnips mix with potatoes for earthiness. Sharp cheddar swapped in for washed rind cheese, melts well. Roasting garlic instead of boiling adds sweetness and depth. Corn tossed with fresh thyme and lemon juice brightens flavors. Layering key—don't overmix mashed base or get gummy. Broil end signals with bubbling cheese edges and golden crust. Visual cues trump strict timers here. Simplified pan use cuts cleanup, but split cooking if pan crowding happens. Aromas meld as meat crisps, cheese melts, and herbs wake up finishing corn toss atop. Comfort food with slight twist keeps it familiar but fresh.
Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder Casserole
Pork shoulder slow-cooked with smoked and fresh sausages, vegetables, and red wine. Long oven braise tenderizes meat, saucisse Morteau and Toulouse add smoky, hearty flavors. Served with fresh parsley and tomato for brightness. Classic rustic French approach with subtle twists for balanced richness and texture.