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
- 1 eggplant
- 2 peppers (any color)
- 2 zucchini
- 1 onion
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 60 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Dried basil, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Additional Parmesan cheese, grated
- Sesame seeds, for topping
- 3 tomatoes
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 olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook 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.
Prepare 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: 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:
- Cool Slightly: 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! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
- Yes, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to customize the dish to your liking.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
- How do I keep the vegetables from getting too soggy?
- Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender before baking, and avoid overbaking the casserole.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
- Substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use dairy-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole completely dairy-free.
- What type of tomatoes work best in this recipe?
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or plum tomatoes, as they hold up well during baking and provide a nice flavor.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
- Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be used. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
- What should I serve with this casserole?
- This casserole pairs well with a light salad, garlic bread, or even as a side dish with grilled meats or tofu.
- How can I add more protein to this dish?
- To increase the protein content, you can add cooked chickpeas, beans, or even a layer of tofu before baking.