Baked Vegetables With Creamy White Sauce Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: September 30, 2025

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines wholesome vegetables with a luscious, creamy sauce—especially when it’s baked to perfection. Our baked vegetables with creamy white sauce recipe offers just that: a delightful medley of fresh garden vegetables enveloped in a velvety, homemade white sauce that brings every bite to life.

Ideal for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this baked vegetable casserole promises ease without compromising on flavor. The rich sauce complements the natural sweetness and texture of the vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for meal prepping or impressing guests.

Ready to transform everyday veggies into a creamy, golden-baked masterpiece? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked vegetable dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, bringing together crisp-tender veggies with a creamy sauce that is utterly irresistible. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:

  • Healthy and nutrient-packed: Loaded with colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, it offers a nutritious punch with every serving.
  • Creamy indulgence without heaviness: The white sauce is rich yet light, made from scratch using simple pantry staples to avoid any artificial additives.
  • Customizable and versatile: Swap in your favorite vegetables or add herbs and spices to suit your taste.
  • Perfectly baked texture: The topping gets beautifully golden, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.
  • Great for meal prep: It reheats beautifully and can be made ahead, saving you time on busy days.

If you love creamy sauces, you might also enjoy this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes which can be adapted to make this dish vegan-friendly!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Broccoli florets 2 cups Fresh or frozen
Cauliflower florets 2 cups Fresh or frozen
Carrots 2 medium Peeled and sliced
Green beans 1 cup Trimmed
Butter 3 tbsp Unsalted
All-purpose flour 3 tbsp For the white sauce
Milk 2 cups Whole or 2%
Garlic 2 cloves Minced
Onion 1 small Finely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup Optional, for topping
Salt To taste Preferably kosher or sea salt
Black pepper To taste Freshly ground
Nutmeg 1/4 tsp Freshly grated if possible
Breadcrumbs 1/2 cup For crispy topping
Olive oil 1 tbsp For drizzling

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander (for draining vegetables)
  • Oven mitts
  • Spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the vegetables in boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Start the white sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Make a roux. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly with a whisk for about 2 minutes to cook the flour without browning it.
  5. Gradually add the milk. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon—about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Season the sauce. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
  7. Combine vegetables and sauce. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the blanched vegetables with the creamy white sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer to baking dish. Pour the vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Add toppings. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the vegetables to create a golden, crunchy topping.
  10. Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce bubbles around the edges.
  11. Cool slightly before serving. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set, making it easier to serve.

Tip: For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives. You can also check out this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to create a perfect dairy-free white sauce.

Tips & Variations

Choose your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even leafy greens like spinach. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

For extra flavor: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the white sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.

Cheese lovers: Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the vegetables before topping for a richer, gooier casserole.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the white sauce for a subtle heat.

Meal prep friendly: Prepare the dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Looking for more vegetable recipes with creative twists? Explore Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for inspiration!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 6 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 15 mg
Sodium 230 mg
Calcium 150 mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and exact quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy baked vegetable dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and mains. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

  • Fresh crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Light green salad: A crisp tossed salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
  • Grilled tofu or tempeh: For a protein boost alongside this vegetable medley.
  • Quinoa or brown rice: Serve the baked vegetables over a bed of grains for a more filling meal.
  • Pair with pasta: Use the creamy white sauce idea to create a luscious sauce for your favorite baked pasta dishes like in our Baked Spaghetti Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Family Dinner.

Conclusion

The baked vegetables with creamy white sauce recipe is a timeless dish that brings comfort, nutrition, and delicious flavor to your table. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a creamy, satisfying form that appeals to all palates.

The homemade white sauce is simple to make but elevates the entire dish to a gourmet level, making this perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

With easy customization options and a straightforward method, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this baked vegetable casserole is guaranteed to impress.

Don’t forget to explore other creative vegetable recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try baking some fresh bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your meal.

Enjoy cooking and savor every creamy, vegetable-packed bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Baked Vegetables with Creamy White Sauce

Description: A comforting dish of mixed vegetables baked in a rich and creamy white sauce. Perfect as a side or a light main course.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Steam broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini until slightly tender.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  7. Place steamed vegetables in a baking dish and pour white sauce over them.
  8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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