This Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a colorful and hearty dish packed with nutritious veggies and topped with creamy cheese. It’s perfect for a family meal or as a side dish for gatherings. With a blend of flavors and textures, this bake is sure to impress!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Egg Mixture:
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 cups (400 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (65 g) flour
- Fresh parsley and dill (to taste)
- 28 g (1 oz) spring onions, chopped
- Vegetables:
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 400 g cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for the mixture)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1 sweet yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 sprig of cherry tomatoes, halved
- Topping:
- 150 g (1/3 pound) cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons white yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, salt, sunflower oil, and milk together.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until smooth.
- Stir in chopped parsley, dill, and spring onions.
- Blanch the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add broccoli and cauliflower.
- Boil for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated carrot. Sauté until softened.
- Combine the Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cauliflower, sautéed vegetables, sweet peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Mix the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix the grated cheese, white yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dill, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Layer the vegetable mixture in a baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Spoon the cheese topping over the top.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Perfect for brunch or as a light dinner option.
Cooking Tips
- Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites or what you have on hand.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
Nutritional Benefits
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables.
- A good source of protein from the eggs and cheese.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free by substituting flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can also be frozen; wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple, one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Full of flavor and nutrition, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Versatile and customizable based on your favorite vegetables and herbs.
- A great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Vegetable Bake is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of healthy ingredients in one dish. It’s perfect for any meal and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Bake it up, share with friends and family, and enjoy the wholesome goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just thaw and drain them before using. - What can I use instead of cheese?
Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option. - How can I make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. - Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked chicken or turkey would be great additions. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. - What can I use instead of milk?
You can use any plant-based milk or chicken broth. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be reheated easily. - What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or feta are all excellent choices. - Can I substitute eggs?
Yes, you can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
Enjoy your Cheesy Vegetable Bake! 🍽️🥦🧀