Baked Vegetable Casserole with Eggplant, Peppers, Zucchini, and Cheese

 

This baked vegetable casserole with eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and cheese is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for any meal. With a combination of flavorful vegetables and rich cheeses, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• Eggplant – 1, sliced
• Peppers – 2 (any color), sliced
• Zucchini – 2, sliced
• Onion – 1, sliced
• Olive oil – for sautéing and greasing the dish
• Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup
• Parmesan cheese – 60 grams (about 1/4 cup), grated
• Salt – to taste
• Dried basil – to taste
• Thyme – to taste
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Mozzarella cheese – 200 grams (about 1 1/2 cups), shredded
• Additional Parmesan cheese – for topping
• Sesame seeds – for topping
• Tomatoes – 3, sliced

Directions:

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Slice Vegetables: Slice the eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and onion.
   • Sauté Vegetables: Heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
   • Cook Vegetables: Add the eggplant, peppers, and zucchini to the pan. Season with salt, dried basil, and thyme. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Grease Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
   • Layer Vegetables: Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the dish.
3. Add Tomatoes and Cheese:
   • Layer Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes and layer them over the vegetables in the baking dish.
   • Add Cheese: Sprinkle 60 grams of grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4. Add Breadcrumbs:
   • Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
5. Bake:
   • First Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
   • Add Toppings: After 30 minutes, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds on top.
   • Final Bake: Bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with Salad: Serve this baked vegetable casserole with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread.
• Main or Side Dish: It makes a great main dish for a vegetarian meal or a flavorful side dish for any occasion.

Cooking Tips:

• Extra Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add your favorite herbs like oregano or rosemary.
• Cooking Vegetables: Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are slightly tender before baking to ensure they are fully cooked in the casserole.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: This casserole is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
• Protein and Calcium: It provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese.
• Balanced and Nutritious: It’s a nutritious and balanced dish that is both satisfying and healthy.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to Make: You’ll love this baked vegetable casserole because it’s easy to make.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients and full of rich, cheesy flavor.
• Versatile Dish: It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Conclusion
This Baked Vegetable Casserole with Cheese is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Enjoy the combination of tender vegetables and melted cheese, and share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Bon appétit!