This Creamy Baked Vegetable Medley combines vibrant, wholesome vegetables with a rich cheese sauce, topped with golden melted cheese. The accompanying tangy garlic sauce adds a refreshing contrast, making it perfect for a satisfying main course or a hearty side dish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- Vegetables:
- 1 broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1/2 cup beans
- 1/2 cup peas
- 3 bell peppers, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pickled cucumber, finely chopped
- Chives, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Soak the broccoli and cauliflower florets in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then drain.
- Slice the carrot and dice the bell peppers.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the sliced carrot and fry for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the beans and peas, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the drained broccoli and cauliflower florets and fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the diced bell peppers, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Bake the Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a baking dish.
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the vegetables and mix well.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped pickled cucumber, and chopped chives in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve warm with the garlic sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or tofu for added protein.
- Add a light green salad for a balanced meal.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture.
- Add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce by adding more milk if needed.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vegetables: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Cheese Sauce: Adds calcium and protein.
- Garlic Sauce: Boosts flavor while providing probiotics (if using yogurt).
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Contains dairy and gluten.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting blend of creamy and fresh flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
- Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and cheeses.
- A complete, satisfying dish for any occasion.
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Vegetable Medley is a flavorful, nutritious dish that will become a household favorite. Whether served as a main or side dish, it’s an easy recipe that elevates simple ingredients into a delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, thaw and drain them before cooking.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk, butter, and cheese.
- What other vegetables can I add? Zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus work well.
- Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
- How do I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Can I skip the garlic sauce? Yes, but it adds a tangy, refreshing flavor.
- How do I store leftovers? In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I add protein? Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions.
- Can I use almond flour for a gluten-free roux? Yes, but the texture may vary slightly.
- What cheese works best? Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan are great options.