This Baked Vegetable and Cheese Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for any meal. Loaded with vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, spinach, and carrots, and enriched with cream cheese and mozzarella, this casserole is both hearty and flavorful. Topped with a creamy dill sauce, it’s a dish that will delight your taste buds.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 bay leaves
- Peppercorns
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 carrot, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 broccoli, chopped
- 250 g spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 eggs
- 4 tbsp cream cheese
- 150 g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- Additional olive oil for drizzling
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 pickled cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
Directions:
For the Casserole:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the diced potatoes, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large frying pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, and a pinch of salt. Fry until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the chopped broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then add the spinach and minced garlic, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked vegetables with the cooked potatoes. Add the eggs, cream cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, finely chopped pickled cucumbers, minced garlic, and chopped dill until well combined.
Serve:
- Serve the baked vegetable and cheese casserole hot, with a dollop of creamy dill sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure all vegetables are evenly chopped for consistent cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables.
- High in protein from the eggs and cheese.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is vegetarian.
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- This casserole is a hearty and wholesome meal, packed with vegetables and creamy cheese.
- The addition of the creamy dill sauce adds a refreshing and tangy flavor.
- Easy to make and perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Conclusion: Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious Baked Vegetable and Cheese Casserole with Creamy Dill Sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!