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Grandmother's Carrot Casserole

This comforting 'Grandmother's Carrot Casserole' combines tender baby carrots with a creamy mixture of chopped onion, mayonnaise, grated Cheddar cheese, and a hint of sugar. Topped with buttery crushed crackers, it bakes into a savory-sweet side dish with a delightful texture contrast, perfect for family meals.
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Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 3062.2
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds baby carrots
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sugar
  • 10 buttery round crackers crushed

Equipment

  • 1 Large Saucepot For boiling carrots.
  • 1 9x13 Inch Baking Dish For assembling and baking the casserole.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining casserole ingredients.
  • 1 Chef's Knife For chopping the onion.
  • 1 Box Grater For grating Cheddar cheese.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook baby carrots for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
  3. While carrots are cooking, finely chop the onion and grate the Cheddar cheese.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained carrots, chopped onion, mayonnaise, grated Cheddar cheese, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  5. Transfer the carrot mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Crush the buttery round crackers finely or coarsely, according to your desired texture.
  7. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the carrot mixture in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes to set before serving.
  10. Serve warm as a hearty and flavorful side dish.

Notes

For optimal flavor and texture, ensure carrots are cooked until tender-crisp, not mushy, as they will bake further. Adjust the sugar to taste; some prefer a less sweet profile, especially with naturally sweet carrots. Using a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise will yield a creamier, richer casserole. The crushed crackers provide a delightful buttery, salty crunch; consider toasting them lightly with a touch of butter before topping for extra depth and golden color. This dish is rich, so serve it alongside a lighter protein or a fresh green salad to balance the meal.