Make Ahead Easy Cheesy Shredded Carrot Casserole
Try this nostalgic shredded carrot casserole — an easy, make-ahead veggie side dish that’s always a hit at potlucks and holiday dinners.
We recently celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada.
Unlike the easiest turkey dinner ever, this year I decided to cook up a big traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
I spent an entire day in the kitchen prepping things ahead, and brought my Instagram followers along. It was so much fun to “chat” with them on stories as I cooked. “We” made bacon wrapped stuffing, prepped the turkey, and whipped up strawberry cream cheese icing for vanilla cake.
But, the most requested recipe of all was the baked carrot casserole recipe I made that day.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Some recipes just come with sweet memories attached — and this Shredded Carrot Casserole is one of those for me.
Years ago, our church hosted a fun event called Dinners for Eight. Each month, a few couples were grouped together to share a meal and get to know new people. One month, it was our turn to host, and one of the lovely ladies from church brought this delicious carrot casserole as her potluck dish. I loved it so much that I asked for the recipe — and she kindly sent it to me by email.
That was over 20 years ago, and I still have the printed copy tucked in my recipe binder. It’s been a family favorite ever since! This is one of those humble little casseroles that may not look like a beauty queen when it comes out of the oven, but goodness, it tastes amazing.
It’s the perfect side dish to tuck alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef — and the best part? You can make it ahead of time and just bake it on the big day.
Ingredients for Cheesy Carrot Casserole
Please refer to the printable recipe card for exact measurements. You can also find a “cook with me” video of this recipe in the recipe card below.
- Fresh carrots, finely shredded
- Crisp celery, diced for a bit of crunch
- Soft bread crumbs to bind everything together
- Mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into small cubes
- Melted butter for rich flavor
- Chopped onion for a savory base
- A couple of beaten eggs to hold it all together
- A pinch of salt for seasoning
- Optional chopped walnuts if you like a little texture and nuttiness – I never put these in!
Directions
Refer to the printable recipe card for exact instructions.
1. Combine all ingredients and transfer into a greased casserole dish. 2.Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover & bake 5 more minutes.
Make Ahead Tips
To make the carrot casserole recipe ahead of time, assemble all the ingredients, place in the baking dish, and cover it with plastic wrap. Place it into the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Once you are ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake according to directions.
Serving Ideas
This side dish is one of our favorite side dishes for Thanksgiving or Christmas, as it pairs so well with roast turkey.
Want some more Holiday Dinner Recipes?
If the thought of hosting a holiday dinner feels a little overwhelming, I’ve got you covered.
My Holiday Dinner Guide is like having me right beside you — walking you through roasting the turkey (or ham!), timing the sides, and keeping everything warm until it’s time to eat. After 30+ years of making holiday dinners, I’ve gathered my best tips, shortcuts, and even a few kitchen bloopers — all to help you feel calm and confident this season.
Grab your copy here — and let’s make this your easiest holiday dinner yet.
Pin this to remember it for later!
Pin this on your holiday dinner board so you can find it when you need it!
Cheesy Baked Carrot Casserole
This delicious & easy cheesy baked carrot casserole can be assembled the day before it's baked. It would be perfect as one of your Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes!
Ingredients
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1 cup cubed mild Cheddar or Jack Cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional, I omitted these)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Transfer into a large greased baking dish.
- Bake, covered with aluminum foil for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and bake for 5 minutes more.
Notes
(To make ahead, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Then, bake according to directions.)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 258Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 529mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 8g
I made the Cheesy Baked Carrot Casserole tonight for dinner on a trial run for Christmas dinner. My husband said “You can make that again” and liked the addition of the walnuts in it.
The old recipes that contain items you already have in your pantry and fridge are life savers when you’re looking for something to make at the last minute.