The holidays are a time for family gatherings, festive decorations, and most importantly, delicious food. One dish that always seems to stand out during the Christmas season is a cheesy, easy baked recipe that is sure to delight your guests. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a main course to share with loved ones, this Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s quick, cheesy, and irresistibly tasty—guaranteeing that your holiday meals will be a hit!
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work best)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (or any cream soup of your choice)
- 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (or any vegetables you prefer)
- 1 cup of cooked rice or pasta
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
If you’re using frozen mixed vegetables, thaw them slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you prefer, you can use fresh vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for a personalized twist.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and your choice of vegetables. Stir in the cooked rice or pasta for added texture and substance. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer the cheesy vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs to give it that extra crispy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it hot as a side dish or even as a main course for your holiday meal. Your guests will be raving about the rich, cheesy flavor that perfectly complements any festive spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is the perfect choice for busy holiday cooks.
- Customizable: You can use any vegetables or cheese that you have on hand, making it a versatile recipe that can suit everyone’s preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The rich cheese and comforting flavors make this dish a guaranteed favorite at any Christmas dinner or party.
Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked:
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding cooked chicken, ham, or bacon bits to the mixture.
- Vegan or Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut or almond-based cream soups for a vegan version.
- Topping Variations: Try mixing in some Parmesan cheese or garlic powder into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy, and comforting dish to serve at your Christmas dinner, Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked is a must-try. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday feast, and its delicious combination of creamy cheese and crispy topping will have everyone coming back for more. So, this Christmas, enjoy the holiday season with a meal that’s both simple to prepare and deliciously indulgent!
Serving Tips for Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked:
- Serve as a Side Dish: This cheesy baked dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or beef. It can also complement holiday staples like mashed potatoes or stuffing.
- Make it a Main Course: For a vegetarian or lighter main dish, serve this baked cheesy goodness with a fresh salad or steamed veggies on the side.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Add some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving to bring a touch of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Perfect for Buffet-Style Meals: This dish is easy to serve at a buffet-style dinner, allowing guests to scoop out a generous portion alongside other festive favorites.
- Family-Style Dining: Serve the dish in a large baking dish, letting everyone help themselves to a hearty portion.
Storage Tips for Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked:
- Refrigeration: After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze any leftover portions for up to 2-3 months. Simply let the dish cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.
- Preventing Dryness: To maintain moisture when reheating, cover the dish with aluminum foil. If you’d like, you can add a bit of extra cheese or a splash of cream before reheating to keep it creamy and indulgent.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked long after the holiday season!
1. Can I use different vegetables for this dish?
Yes, absolutely! You can customize the recipe by using any vegetables you prefer. Popular choices include broccoli, spinach, peas, corn, or even roasted sweet potatoes. Just make sure to cook or thaw any frozen vegetables before mixing them into the casserole.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance! Assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes.
3. Can I make this dish without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer. For a crispy topping, you could substitute with crushed crackers, potato chips, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese. Alternatively, you can just bake it without any topping for a smoother, creamier finish.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Casserole is a rich and creamy dish that’s loaded with layers of cheese, hearty ingredients, and festive flavors. Perfect as a side dish or main course for holiday gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Serves 6-8
- For the casserole:
- 4 cups (500 g) cooked pasta (e.g., penne, elbow, or bowtie)
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded chicken (optional, for a main dish)
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (150 g) diced red bell pepper
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the topping:
- 1 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken (if using), peas, bell pepper, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
- Prepare the topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a festive touch.
Notes
- Customize the vegetables with green beans, broccoli, or roasted red peppers for added holiday color.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add mushrooms or more vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.