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:
- 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.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Layer Vegetables: Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the dish.
- 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.
- Add Breadcrumbs:
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
- 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.
- 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!