Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Carrot Casserole

Teresa Ambra

This is an absolutely scrumptious Carrot Casserole recipe. I’ve made it in the crock pot before and in the oven–it turns out spectacular either way. I don’t think there’s ever been anyone who hasn’t liked this recipe. If you like carrots you’ll love this fabulous tasting casserole.

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Carrots are mixed in a sauce of cheese and cream of celery soup and topped with buttered Ritz crackers. Oh, my! You will be coming back for seconds or thirds! It’s that good.

I was looking for a new way to prepare carrots a few years ago and came across this recipe. With several improvisations I think it has become one of the best Carrot Casserole recipes, I’ve ever made. I swapped out Velveeta for cheddar cheese or any combination with Monterey Jack and Colby Jack. I exchanged the croutons for Ritz crackers. Both changes make this dish irresistible–especially if you’re a Ritz cracker fiend like me!

If you’re looking for a fabulous casserole for the holidays or for company this is a great one to try out. I will be the first one to admit I love cooking for company – especially those who enjoy eating what I serve! This is one of those casseroles that I get rave reviews over. I hope you’ll try it sometime. You’ll be glad you did.

This recipe is featured at allfreecasserolerecipes.com here.

When I first published this recipe in December 2012, I was still using a small iPhone 3 for a camera. This led to grainy, blurry and rather dark pictures. That being said, this fabulous recipe still has over 2,000 pins on Pinterest! I’ve been remaking all those first year recipes made with a poor quality camera, so I could get better, more pleasing pictures.

To that end, I recently remade this recipe (November 2015) for a potluck at our church. The staff asked our Sunday school to bring side dishes, so I decided to remake this scrumptious dish. This time, I made the casserole up to the point of baking, then I refrigerated it for about 24 hours before actually baking it.

Everyone loved the Carrot Casserole, so the leftovers were skimpy. If you make this for company or for the holidays, you’ll find the dish cleaned out and leftovers few and far between too!

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Carrot Casserole is excellent for holiday menus.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Carrot Casserole has rich, wonderful flavors that mix together and make for one amazing side dish.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

This cheesy casserole is one your family will clamor for again and again!

Here’s what I did.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

I used these ingredients. Cook carrots until fork tender.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Saute onions in butter until tender.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Add a can of cream of celery soup, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. 

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Stir all the ingredients together.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Drain carrots. Stir soup/cheese mixture into drained carrots. 

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Spray a 9×13″ glass baking dish with cooking spray. Pour carrots into baking dish.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Make topping: melt butter and add Ritz cracker crumbs. I just crush them with my hands – it takes all of about 30 seconds. Add them to the melted butter. Stir crumbs and butter together thoroughly. 

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Sprinkle Ritz crackers crumbs over top of the carrots.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Bake about 30-45 minutes at 350.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Here’s a look at this wonderful Carrot Casserole after we’ve dug into it!

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

This is a great casserole for company dinners or special occasions.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Every bite of Carrot Casserole is delicious.

Here’s the recipe.

CARROT CASSEROLE

(Recipe inspired from All Recipes)

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Carrot Casserole

Teresa Ambra
Carrot Casserole is an amazing side dish that's superb for the holidays or company dinners. This recipe uses cheese and cream of celery soup to make a creamy sauce. Then the dish is sprinkled with Ritz cracker crumbs for added crunch and taste. Great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Veggie Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 159 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large sauce pot with lid or stock pot with lid
  • 1 medium sauce pan
  • 1 colander
  • 1 sharp knife to dice veggies
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 vegetable peeler if not using crinkle-cut carrots
  • 1 Rolling Pin to crush Ritz crackers (or crush in your hands)
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 fork

Ingredients
  

  • 36 oz. bags crinkle cut carrots cooked and drained (three 12-ounce bags)
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion chopped or 3-5 green onions
  • 10.75 oz. can condensed cream of celery soup
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed (see note below)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 9x13” glass casserole dish.
  • Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil.
  • Add carrots and cook until tender; drain in colander.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Sauté onions about 5 minutes; stir in soup, salt, pepper, parsley and cheese.
  • Stir in cooked carrots.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared 9x13" dish.
  • In a small bowl, using a fork, toss crackers with 1/3 cup melted butter; scatter over casserole.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through.

Notes

NOTE: The original recipe calls for ½ cup cubed Velveeta cheese instead of Cheddar cheese, and 2 cups seasoned croutons instead of Ritz crackers.
 
 
NOTE:I have also made this recipe in the crockpot. Place raw carrots in the bottom of a greased crockpot. Combine remaining ingredients except cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup butter. Place that mixture (without sauteeing anything) over top of the carrots. Melt butter and add cracker crumbs. Sprinkle on top of soup mixture. Bake in crockpot about 3 hours on high or until hot and bubbly and carrots are fork tender.
 
 
NOTE: Ritz has now decreased the size of the sleeve packages inside each of their boxes. You may need to increase this amount by about 10 crackers from another sleeve.
 
Recipe inspired from All Recipes.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
 

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 378mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 675IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword carrots, casserole, side dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Carrot Casserole[/b]
Recipe Type: Veggie Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra inspired from [url href=”http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Carrot-Casserole-2/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=carrot%20casserole&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i1″ target=”_blank” title=”carrots casserole”]All Recipes[/url]
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Amazing casserole that’s superb as a holiday side dish. This one uses cheese and cream of celery soup to make a creamy sauce. Then the dish is sprinkled with Ritz cracker crumbs for added crunch and taste.
Ingredients
  • 3 12-oz. bags crinkle-cut carrots, cooked and drained
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped or 3-5 green onions, sliced
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
  • ¾ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tbsp. parsley
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Grease a 9×13” glass casserole dish.
  3. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  4. Add carrots and cook until tender; drain.
  5. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan.
  6. Sauté onions about 5 minutes; stir in soup, salt, pepper, parsley and cheese.
  7. Stir in cooked carrots.
  8. Transfer mixture to prepared dish.
  9. Toss crackers with 1/3 cup melted butter; scatter over casserole.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through.
Notes
The original recipe calls for ½ cup cubed Velveeta cheese instead of Cheddar cheese, and 2 cups seasoned croutons instead of Ritz crackers.[br][br]I have also made this recipe in the crockpot. Place raw carrots in the bottom of a greased crockpot. Combine remaining ingredients except cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup butter. Place that mixture (without sauteeing anything) over top of the carrots. Melt butter and add cracker crumbs. Sprinkle on top of soup mixture. Bake in crockpot about 3 hours on high or until hot and bubbly and carrots are fork tender.
Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Here’s a close up look at this fabulous carrot recipe. You ought to give this recipe a try sometime. It’s spectacular.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Carrot Casserole has a tasty cheesy sauce with a wonderful Ritz cracker topping.

Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this scrumptious #casserole makes a great #holiday side dish. You can make it in the #crockpot, too. #carrots

Try this amazing casserole. You and your family will really enjoy it.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Cheesy Carrot Casserole

Cheesy Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fantastic 5-ingredient recipe that's perfect for #holidays like #MothersDay or #Easter. Quick & easy. #carrots

Carrots au Gratin

Carrots Au Gratin | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | one of our favorite #holiday #casseroles. Perfect for #FathersDay. #carrots

Carrots in Creamy Dill Sauce

Carrots in Creamy Dill Sauce | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | This quick & easy #carrot dish has a mouthwatering dill sauce. It's wonderful for week night suppers. It's also great for #holidays like #Thanksgiving & #Christmas. #glutenfree
Carrot Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Carrot Casserole

Teresa Ambra
Carrot Casserole is an amazing side dish that's superb for the holidays or company dinners. This recipe uses cheese and cream of celery soup to make a creamy sauce. Then the dish is sprinkled with Ritz cracker crumbs for added crunch and taste. Great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Veggie Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 159 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large sauce pot with lid or stock pot with lid
  • 1 medium sauce pan
  • 1 colander
  • 1 sharp knife to dice veggies
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 vegetable peeler if not using crinkle-cut carrots
  • 1 Rolling Pin to crush Ritz crackers (or crush in your hands)
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 fork

Ingredients
  

  • 36 oz. bags crinkle cut carrots cooked and drained (three 12-ounce bags)
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion chopped or 3-5 green onions
  • 10.75 oz. can condensed cream of celery soup
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed (see note below)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 9×13” glass casserole dish.
  • Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil.
  • Add carrots and cook until tender; drain in colander.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Sauté onions about 5 minutes; stir in soup, salt, pepper, parsley and cheese.
  • Stir in cooked carrots.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared 9×13" dish.
  • In a small bowl, using a fork, toss crackers with 1/3 cup melted butter; scatter over casserole.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through.

Notes

NOTE: The original recipe calls for ½ cup cubed Velveeta cheese instead of Cheddar cheese, and 2 cups seasoned croutons instead of Ritz crackers.
 
 
NOTE:I have also made this recipe in the crockpot. Place raw carrots in the bottom of a greased crockpot. Combine remaining ingredients except cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup butter. Place that mixture (without sauteeing anything) over top of the carrots. Melt butter and add cracker crumbs. Sprinkle on top of soup mixture. Bake in crockpot about 3 hours on high or until hot and bubbly and carrots are fork tender.
 
 
NOTE: Ritz has now decreased the size of the sleeve packages inside each of their boxes. You may need to increase this amount by about 10 crackers from another sleeve.
 
Recipe inspired from All Recipes.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
 

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 378mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 675IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword carrots, casserole, side dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

28 Comments

  • Gretchen

    April 20, 2019 at 7:35 am

    I have been making this for a very long time but a little different. I use 2 lbs carrots, 1 can cream of celery, and 4 or. Velveeta. Then mix in the Durkee onion rings. And sprinkle on top. Family favorite. They request it at Eastdr and Thanksgiving.

    1. Teresa

      April 20, 2019 at 8:15 am

      Hi Gretchen. I can see why. That combo sounds absolutely mouthwatering. I’ll have to give it a try sometime. 🙂

  • Leah

    November 23, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Could you use raw (not frozen) carrots when cooking it in the crockpot? Thanks! Just don’t want the carrots to still be crunchy when this is done cooking.

    1. Teresa

      November 24, 2017 at 11:00 am

      Hi, Leah, I think you can use any kind of carrots in the recipe. Just be sure to check with a fork for doneness. Also try to slice your carrots as thinly as possible if they’re raw.

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  • Debbie

    December 26, 2014 at 12:05 am

    I brought this dish to my Sister-in-laws for Christmas. She always makes THE BEST Casseroles. Several people asked for your recipe. WINNER WINNER Christmas Dinner!!!!

    1. Teresa

      December 26, 2014 at 6:35 am

      Oh, Debbie, I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed this tasty dish! Thanks so much for letting me know. And it’s your recipe now! 🙂

  • Shyla

    October 12, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    Just wondering if I could make this all ahead of time and then put in the fridge over night to bake the next day?

    1. Teresa

      October 13, 2014 at 7:04 am

      Absolutely Shyla. I’ve made it that way several times. If the casserole is completely cold it may take longer to bake, so figure in additional time. In fact, I pre-make a lot of my casseroles to save time especially if I’m having company. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Judith

    August 10, 2014 at 6:40 am

    Hi, our son can’t stand celery, could you please suggest another soup to go with this wonderful looking dish, I want to make it. Would mushroom sop go well with it. Look forward to your reply and thanks.

    1. Teresa

      August 10, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Hi, Judy, I would probably try cream of chicken as my first choice and cream of mushroom as the second choice. I’m sure either one will work fine.

  • Jessica

    December 23, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    If you were to make this in the crock pot, do you just throw all of the ingredients in and put it on high for 2-3 hours?

    1. Teresa

      December 23, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      When I make this in the crockpot, I mix everything except the ritz crackers and butter for the topping. I place them on top of the rest of the ingredients. It usually takes a few hours on high in the crockpot. Hope you enjoy this. We’ve served this for company lots of times and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser.

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  • petit4chocolatier

    December 12, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    This looks and sounds so delicious!!

    1. Teresa

      December 12, 2012 at 10:19 pm

      It is terrific!

  • LizForADay

    December 12, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    I’ve never heard of cream of celery soup. Wow, this looks like a winner. I have to try this one when I get home. 🙂

    1. Teresa

      December 12, 2012 at 10:20 pm

      It’s really a spectacular casserole.

  • cookazido

    December 12, 2012 at 11:49 am

    I’m printing this out right now to try later. Looks yummy! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    1. Teresa

      December 12, 2012 at 6:49 pm

      You’re welcome! It is a great recipe. Not too difficult and yummy on taste.

  • nancyc

    December 11, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    This sounds like a great way to eat carrots! 🙂

    1. Teresa

      December 11, 2012 at 11:18 pm

      It is such a great tasting casserole. We love this recipe.

  • Tamara Leigh: The Kitchen Novelist

    December 11, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    I wasn’t hungry, but now look what you’ve done. Unfortunately, it’s getting too late here for me to spend any serious time in the kitchen. I guess I’ll have to content myself with a crunchy raw carrot. Sigh.

    1. Teresa

      December 11, 2012 at 11:18 pm

      Yeah, well, make up some of my spiced sweet potato hummus to go with those raw carrots. Yum, yum!

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