This cheesy potato vegetable bake is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring grated potatoes, carrots, and onions bound together in a creamy batter and topped with juicy tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner or an impressive brunch centerpiece, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients for a show-stopping dish.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- For the Bake:
- For Assembly and Topping:
- 4 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 200 g mozzarella cheese (~2 cups, shredded)
- 15 g butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- A handful of fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Grate the potatoes and carrot. Finely chop the onion and place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Fry the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated potatoes, carrot, and onion. Fry for 8–10 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper, and whisk until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the chopped spring onions into the fried vegetables. Pour the prepared batter over the vegetables and mix until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil and pour in the vegetable-batter mixture. Spread evenly.
- Bake the Potato Mixture: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and firm.
- Prepare the Toppings: Slice the tomatoes and chop parsley.
- Add Toppings and Cheese: Remove the bake from the oven, arrange the tomato slices on top, and sprinkle with parsley. Spread the mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve warm.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
- Add roasted vegetables as a side dish.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as a standalone dish with a dollop of sour cream.
Cooking Tips
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes for a crispier bake.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the bake for clean servings.
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure cheese does not contain animal rennet.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Provide complex carbs and potassium.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein.
- Parsley: Adds Vitamin K and a burst of freshness.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes (if using vegetarian-friendly cheese).
- Gluten-Free: Substitute wholemeal flour with gluten-free flour.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbs: ~30 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: A warm, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different toppings and add-ins.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for an impressive result.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Potato Vegetable Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy edges with creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes. Whether served as a main or a side dish, it’s bound to please everyone at the table. Easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal of the day. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this bake vegan? Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and an egg substitute like flax eggs.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the bake without toppings and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Add toppings and bake when ready.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! Freeze individual portions and reheat as needed.
- What other vegetables can I add? Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
- How can I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the batter.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a different flavor and more fiber.
- What’s the best cheese substitute? Cheddar, Gouda, or Fontina are excellent alternatives.
- Can I skip the frying step? Yes, but frying enhances flavor and texture.
- How long will this bake stay fresh? It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use almond or oat milk? Yes, non-dairy milk works well for the batter.