Baked Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella

This Baked Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together tender layers of potatoes, carrots, onions, and mozzarella cheese. Itโ€™s the perfect comfort meal that balances healthy vegetables with a creamy, cheesy finish. The sour cream and yogurt dressing adds a tangy contrast, making this dish a satisfying and wholesome choice for any meal. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Vegetables:
    • 3 potatoes (about 600 g)
    • 4 carrots (about 400 g)
    • 1 onion (100 g)
    • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Seasoning:
    • 1 tsp salt
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • Parsley, chopped
    • Dill, chopped
    • Olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)
  • Cheese:
    • 1 mozzarella ball (125 g)
  • Eggs:
    • 3 large eggs
  • For the Dressing:
    • 2 tbsp sour cream (30%)
    • 2 tbsp yogurt
    • 1 tbsp sweet mustard
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • Parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 200ยฐC (392ยฐF). Grease a 21 cm x 27 cm baking pan with olive oil.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. Layer them in the baking pan, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, parsley, and dill.
  3. Add Cheese & Eggs: Slice the mozzarella and place evenly on the top layer. Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper, then pour over the vegetables and cheese. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until golden brown.
  5. Make Dressing: In a bowl, mix sour cream, yogurt, sweet mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley.
  6. Serve: Drizzle dressing over the casserole or serve on the side.

Bullet Points:

  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Pair with a simple green salad.
    • Add grilled chicken or fish for extra protein.
    • Serve with crusty bread.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
  • Cooking Tips:
    • Slice vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
    • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
    • For extra creaminess, add a bit of cream to the egg mixture.
  • Nutritional Benefits:
    • Rich in fiber from the vegetables.
    • Protein from the eggs and mozzarella.
    • High in vitamins A and C from carrots and parsley.
  • Dietary Information:
    • Vegetarian-friendly.
    • Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free mustard.
  • Nutritional Facts (per serving):
    • Calories: 320 kcal
    • Protein: 12g
    • Fat: 20g
    • Carbohydrates: 20g
    • Fiber: 4g
  • Storage:
  • Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe:
    • Itโ€™s a comforting, cheesy dish with layers of tender vegetables.
    • The tangy yogurt-mustard dressing adds a zesty kick.
    • Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and healthy nutrients.
    • Perfect for a cozy family meal or potluck.

Conclusion:

This Baked Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a delightful, nutritious meal thatโ€™s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The layers of seasoned vegetables combined with melted mozzarella and the tangy yogurt dressing create a satisfying balance of creamy and fresh. Itโ€™s a perfect way to enjoy healthy ingredients while indulging in some cheesy goodness. Serve this casserole hot and enjoy a wholesome meal thatโ€™s sure to become a family favorite.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  1. Can I use different vegetables?
    Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety.
  2. Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
    Yes, cheddar or gouda work well as substitutes.
  3. How can I make this dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the yogurt and sour cream with plant-based versions.
  4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
  5. Can I freeze the casserole?
    Yes, but itโ€™s best to freeze it before baking. Thaw before baking.
  6. What can I use instead of eggs?
    You can use a flaxseed or chia egg substitute for a vegan option.
  7. How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
    The top will be golden brown, and the vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. What should I serve with this dish?
    Serve with a fresh green salad, bread, or a protein like grilled chicken.
  9. How long does this casserole stay fresh?
    It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  10. Can I add meat to this recipe?
    Yes, cooked chicken or bacon can be added to the vegetable layers for extra flavor.

Let me know if youโ€™d like to tweak any part of the recipe!