This hearty Vegetable and Cheese Casserole combines broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, and a medley of other colorful vegetables, all baked together with creamy eggs, yogurt, and melted cheeses. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s packed with nutrition and flavor!
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings
Makes: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 1 head, cut into pieces
- Salt: To taste
- Potatoes: 3 medium, cut into pieces
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Champignons (Mushrooms): 280 g (10 oz), sliced
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Provencal Herbs: To taste
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: For sautéing
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Carrot: 1, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
- Dry Basil: To taste
- Eggs: 4 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved
- Mozzarella Cheese: 60 g (2 oz), shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Broccoli: Pour boiling water over the broccoli pieces, add salt, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Potatoes: Fry the potato pieces in vegetable oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Mushrooms: Sauté the sliced mushrooms in olive oil with salt, black pepper, Provencal herbs, and minced garlic.
- Onion and Carrot: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft. Add the chopped carrot and cook for 3 minutes.
- Bell Pepper: Add the chopped bell pepper, season with salt, black pepper, and dry basil. Cook until all the vegetables are tender.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Vegetables: In a greased baking dish, layer the sautéed vegetables, followed by the fried potatoes and cooked broccoli.
- Add Toppings: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered vegetables. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with mozzarella and grated parmesan.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. Sprinkle more parmesan on top and continue baking until the top is golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the broccoli is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- For added flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving.
- Substitute yogurt with sour cream or heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Use your favorite cheese blends like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.
- Good source of protein from eggs and cheese.
- Provides fiber from the variety of vegetables.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Can be made gluten-free if using gluten-free breadcrumbs or skipping them.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze baked casserole portions for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with vibrant vegetables and cheesy goodness.
- Simple to prepare and great for meal prep.
- Perfect as a main dish or a versatile side.
- Delicious, nutritious, and family-friendly!
Conclusion
This Vegetable and Cheese Casserole is the perfect dish for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Its layers of vegetables, creamy egg mixture, and melted cheeses make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting flavors and make it a staple in your recipe collection!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, thaw and drain them before using.
2. Can I substitute the mushrooms? Yes, zucchini or eggplant work well as substitutes.
3. Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes, cooked chicken or bacon can be layered with the vegetables.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
5. Can I skip the cheese? Yes, the dish will still taste great without cheese.
6. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk? Yes, but ensure it is unsweetened.
7. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery? Drain all vegetables well before assembling.
8. What other herbs can I use? Thyme, rosemary, or oregano are great options.
9. Can I make this recipe vegan? Substitute eggs with a flax egg mixture, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
10. How do I reheat leftovers? Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in the microwave for a few minutes.