Description
This Cheddar Maple Orange Carrot Casserole is a comforting and healthy side dish, perfect for busy families. It combines warm carrots with sweet maple, tangy orange zest, and sharp cheddar for a memorable family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs fresh carrots
- 0.75 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 medium orange (zest and juice)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Carrots: Peel 2 lbs carrots, then slice into even 0.25-inch rounds. Uniform slices cook consistently.
- Boil Carrots: Place carrots in a large pot, cover with water. Boil until fork-tender (15-20 minutes). Drain very well; if they seem too wet, let them steam dry in the hot, empty pot for an extra minute.
- Mash And Mix: Return drained carrots to pot. Mash roughly. Stir in 0.5 cup sharp cheddar, 0.25 cup maple syrup, 2 Tbsp butter, orange zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper until flavors sing. This forms the creamy base of your carrot casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 0.25 cup cheddar and 0.25 cup breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden topping.
- Bake Casserole: Bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden brown (25-30 minutes). Topping should feel crisp, and cheese melted.
Notes
Ensure carrots are well-drained after boiling for the best texture. For dietary adaptations, use plant-based shreds for dairy-free, vegan butter or olive oil for richness, and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. For a lower-carb option, mash carrots finely.
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (about 150 g)
- Calories: 220 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: carrot casserole, cheddar, maple, orange, side dish, easy dinner, healthy, family friendly, budget friendly