Saving time is always right up there on my number #1 list.
Investigating over the years of how to save time, I've found an all time saver being my beloved crock pot. If you've discovered the time savings appliance such as a simple crock pot, then you'd have to agree, that the last thing you wanna do on a special day is to spend your time slaving over the stove. I am continually on the prowl for good, I mean "really good", recipes that turn out wonderfully from my crock pot. I don't enjoy soggy, or over-cooked meals. Let me hear an Amen.
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Do-Ahead Garlic Mashed Potatoes |
Last year our Thanksgiving Menu was the first time I tried a couple new dishes (with altered recipes). Besides the Butterball Turkey Breast=cooked in my crock pot, we had Garlic Mashed Potatoes from [HERE].
The next dish was a hit with the fam as well.
So much so that I've made it repeatedly over the course of the year for my dish to pass at potlucks.
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Swiss Vegetable Casserole |
Ingredients
- 2
- tablespoons butter or margarine
- 6
- green onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1/2 cup)
- I used one medium regular onion
- 2
- tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4
- teaspoon salt
- 1/8
- teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2
- cups milk
- or a little milk and a jar of Prego Alfredo Sauce
- 1
- cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
- 1
- bag (1 lb) frozen broccoli, carrots & cauliflower, cooked, drained
- or in the crock pot;2 bags frozen broccoli & cauliflower, uncooked
- 1/4
- cup crushed round buttery crackers
- I omitted this step
There directions are listed below & I followed each step with my modified directions in this lovely shade of red.
Directions
- 1Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 1- to 1 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Spray Crock Pot with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.
- 2Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture is bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat.
- This step stayed the same.
- 3Add 3/4 cup of the cheese; stir until melted. Stir in cooked vegetables. Spoon mixture into casserole. Sprinkle with crushed crackers and remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
- Add 3/4 cup of the cheese; stir until melted, then add a jar of Prego Alfardo Sauce. Open frozen vegetables and pour into the crockpot. Slowly pour sauce over vegetables. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- 4Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
- Cook until vegetables are heated through. Really can't recall the time frame, that's so wrong, I know, so try this on a day you'll be home so you can record your timing. Approximately 3 hours.
Expert Tips
To lower the fat in this casserole by about 2 grams per serving, use skim milk and reduced-fat Swiss cheese.
To make ahead, prepare this casserole as directed, reserving the crushed crackers. Cover and refrigerate up to one day. Then, sprinkle the casserole with the crackers and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes.
Gotta love these type of recipes that have you prepare ahead. This is my usual type of recipe that I look for to alter to my style of crock pot cooking. Yummy!!!
Along with other dishes too that our friends who joined us, & we all enjoyed a wonderful, peaceful time together.
Hey I'm all for sharing quick recipes, tips or tricks you've discovered.
If you have one tucked up your sleeve--then it's time to give it up.
See ya,
Connie
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