Cheesy Vegetable Bake Recipe

This Cheesy Vegetable Bake is my absolute favorite because it’s a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, turning simple veggies into a deliciously cheesy masterpiece. Plus, the golden breadcrumbs and gooey cheese on top make every bite an irresistible crunchy-creamy delight!

I enjoy making wholesome, homey meals, and my Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a real favorite. Chock-full of 2 cups of broccoli and cauliflower florets and colorful slices of carrot and diced bell pepper, this is a visually stunning dish.

My secret? Using a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella, perfectly complemented by savory herbs and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Broccoli:
High in fiber and vitamin C; supports immune health.

Cauliflower:
Few carbohydrates, many antioxidants, and good for digestion.

Carrot:
High in beta-carotene, it supports optimal eyesight and health.

Bell Peppers:
Full of vitamin A and C, adds lots of color and crunch.

Cheddar Cheese:
Calcium and protein source, provides creamy texture.

Mozzarella Cheese:
Not high in carbohydrates, neutral flavor, boosts cheesiness.

Olive Oil:
Provides nutritious fats, promotes cardiovascular health, and tastes good.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a large baking dish with olive oil to prepare for the baking process ahead.

2. In a big mixing bowl, put together the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, carrot (sliced), and bell pepper (diced). Toss these veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated.

3. Evenly distribute the mixed vegetables in the baking dish you prepared.

4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles and forms a roux.

5. Slowly incorporate the milk into the mixture, stirring all the while until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Withdraw from heat.

6. In a sauce, blend in and melt 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese. The result should be a smooth mixture. To achieve this, combine (in a bowl, if using a handheld blender, for ease): – Sauce – 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (sharp and/or mild, to taste; grated or shredded) – All the mozzarella cheese (as much as you can muster) – Dried Italian herbs (to taste)

7. Ensure the vegetables in the baking dish are well coated by pouring the cheese sauce over them evenly.

8. The leftover 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top. Then, put on the breadcrumbs. Following that, the grated Parmesan cheese should be properly placed on top of everything.

9. Preheat the oven. To bake, place the food in the preheated oven. Allow to cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until:

– the top is golden brown
– the food is tender

10. Take it out of the oven and allow it to sit for a short time before you serve it. Have your Cheesy Vegetable Bake bask in these moments of stillness before you dig in.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large baking dish
3. Mixing bowl
4. Medium saucepan
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
11. Grater (for cheese)
12. Olive oil brush or small spoon (for coating baking dish)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
  Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before baking.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free?To render this dish free of gluten, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• What other cheeses can I use?You can replace cheddar and mozzarella with other melty cheeses—like Gouda or Monterey Jack—for different flavor profiles.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Certainly! You can put the dish together a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you’re set to serve, just pop it in the oven.
• How can I make it healthier?To make this dish healthier, think about using cheeses and milk with a reduced fat content. It’s also a good idea to throw in some more vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, to give it a nutritional boost.
• Can I add meat to the bake?Certainly, additional protein can be provided with cooked chicken, ham, or crisp bacon.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute Brussels sprouts or chopped zucchini for broccoli florets.
Swap out the chopped butternut squash for cauliflower florets.
You can substitute canola oil or melted coconut oil for olive oil.
Replace garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
To obtain a contrasting cheesy flavor, switch out the mozzarella with Monterey Jack cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Blanch the Vegetables To ensure the vegetables are evenly tender, briefly blanch the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before mixing them with the olive oil and seasonings. This step can help achieve a uniform texture in your bake.

2. Customize the Cheese Blend Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Try adding some Gruyère or fontina to the cheese sauce for added depth and creaminess.

3. Toast the Breadcrumbs Give the breadcrumbs an extra crunch by toasting them lightly in a pan with a bit of olive oil or butter before sprinkling them on top of the bake. This will result in a perfectly crisp topping.

4. Herb Infusion For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce. You can also garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

5. Enhanced Garlic Flavor If you’re a garlic lover, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. Sauté the garlic briefly in the butter before adding the flour to start the roux for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.