This Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole is a nutritious, flavorful, and hearty dish made with a variety of fresh vegetables, eggs, and cheese. It’s soft, moist, and packed with delicious flavors, making it perfect as a light dinner, side dish, or vegetarian main course. The combination of cheddar cheese, herbs, and a fluffy egg-based batter makes this casserole both healthy and satisfying!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 leek, chopped
- 300g cabbage, chopped
- 1 pinch dill
- 1 pinch parsley
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 4 eggs
- 4 tbsp olive oil (40 ml)
- 4 tbsp milk (40 ml)
- 1 tsp salt (8g)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp flour (100g)
- ½ pack baking soda (5g)
- 50g grated cheddar cheese
- Sesame and black cumin, for garnish
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
- Chop the leek, cabbage, red pepper, carrots, and potatoes into small pieces.
- Place them on a large tray.
- Step 3: Add Herbs
- Sprinkle dill and parsley over the chopped vegetables.
- Mix well to distribute the flavors.
- Step 4: Prepare the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add flour and baking soda, stirring continuously until smooth and lump-free.
- Step 5: Combine with Vegetables
- Pour the egg-flour mixture over the chopped vegetables.
- Mix well until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly onto the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 30 minutes until partially set.
- Step 7: Add Cheese & Garnish
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and black cumin for added flavor and texture.
- Step 8: Final Bake
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool slightly before slicing into portions.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of yogurt or tzatziki for a refreshing touch.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or toasted pita.
Cooking Tips
- For a crispier texture, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar with dairy-free cheese.
- To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cumin to the batter.
- For a richer taste, mix in feta cheese or parmesan with the cheddar.
- For extra crunch, top with chopped nuts or breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Benefits
- Leeks and cabbage are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Carrots and red peppers provide beta-carotene and vitamin C.
- Eggs and cheddar cheese add protein and calcium.
- Olive oil contributes healthy fats.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Can be made gluten-free (use GF flour)
- Low-carb & high-protein
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30-40 seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and packed with vegetables.
- Cheesy, soft, and full of flavor.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable with different vegetables and cheese options.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Vegetable Casserole is a delicious and healthy dish that’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a side dish, or a vegetarian main course, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use different vegetables? Yes! Try adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Bake and store in the fridge for easy reheating.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free flour or almond flour.
- What cheese works best? Cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Can I add meat? Yes! Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda? Yes, substitute ½ tsp baking powder.
- How do I prevent it from becoming soggy? Drain excess liquid from vegetables before baking.
- Can I freeze it? Yes! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- How do I get a golden crust? Broil for the last 3-5 minutes for a crispy top.
- Is this good for weight loss? Yes! It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great healthy option.