This Cheesy Potato and Veggie Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a comforting dinner. Combining grated potatoes, sautéed vegetables, creamy yogurt, and a blend of cheeses, this casserole is both flavorful and nutritious. The crispy tomato and cheese topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, grated (about 600g)
- 1 onion, diced (100g)
- 1 carrot, grated (about 60g)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup yogurt (240ml)
- 1.6 cups all-purpose flour (200g)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml) for frying
- 20g vegetable oil (about 1.5 tablespoons) for the mixture
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons flour (additional, optional for binding)
- Sliced tomatoes (for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
- Additional cheese for topping
- Plant-based oil for greasing the baking tray
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Grate 4 potatoes and rinse them with water to remove excess starch.
- Press the grated potatoes to remove any remaining moisture and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until translucent.
- Grate 1 carrot and add it to the pan, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian herbs.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes and sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and add 1 cup of yogurt.
- Pour in 1.6 cups of all-purpose flour and mix everything together until well combined.
- Add 20g of vegetable oil and stir well to incorporate.
- Prepare the Baking Tray:
- Line a baking tray with baking paper and brush it with some vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Pour the potato mixture onto the prepared baking tray.
- Spread it out evenly with a spatula to form a uniform layer.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes on top of the potato mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the tomatoes and the entire surface.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If needed, adjust the oven temperature to 185°C (365°F) and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a crispier top.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Cut the casserole into slices and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bake with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad.
- Pair with a slice of whole grain bread for a complete meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the grated potatoes are well-pressed to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a crispy texture.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour to help bind the ingredients.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting to help it set and maintain its shape.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.
- Carrots add beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health and immune function.
- Yogurt provides protein and calcium, contributing to bone health and muscle maintenance.
- Walnuts (if added) offer healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Vegetables in the recipe increase the fiber content, aiding in digestion and providing essential nutrients.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute yogurt and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free unless walnuts are added as an optional ingredient.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Reheating Tips: To maintain crispiness, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven instead of the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
- The combination of creamy potatoes and crunchy toppings creates a delightful texture contrast.
- It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal throughout the week.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Potato and Veggie Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the best of creamy and crunchy textures. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table. The blend of fresh vegetables, savory spices, and melted cheese makes it a flavorful and nutritious option for any meal. Enjoy this delicious bake with your loved ones and savor the warmth and comfort it brings!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a natural sweetness to the casserole.
- Can I make this bake vegan?
- Absolutely! Use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
- How can I make the bake gluten-free?
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
- Yes, feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- How do I prevent the top from burning?
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes, you can use cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, or even a mix for varied flavors.
- Is it necessary to press out the moisture from the grated potatoes?
- Yes, removing excess moisture helps in achieving a crispy texture and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Can I use a different type of yogurt?
- Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds extra creaminess, but any plain yogurt can be used.
- Can I substitute the eggs with a vegan alternative?
- Yes, you can use flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute to make the recipe egg-free.