Vegetable Egg Bake with Cheese and Herb Sauce

This Vegetable Egg Bake is a flavorful and hearty dish filled with nutritious vegetables, creamy cheese, and a delightful garlic-herb sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Serve it as a breakfast casserole, light lunch, or satisfying dinner option.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Vegetable Egg Bake:

  • Leek: 1, chopped
  • Carrots: 3, grated
  • Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
  • Chives: small handful, chopped
  • Potatoes: 4, boiled and mashed
  • Water: enough to cover potatoes for boiling
  • Spinach: 50g (1.76 oz)
  • Dill and Parsley: small handful, chopped
  • Eggs: 4, beaten
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
  • Flour: 4 tablespoons
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Milk: 4 tablespoons
  • Basil: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Dried Garlic: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: to taste
  • Cheese: 100g (1/2 cup), grated
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 100g (1/2 cup), shredded

Garlic Herb Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
  • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: 1 tablespoon
  • Dill: small handful, chopped
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced

Directions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables
    • Chop the leek, red pepper, and chives. Grate the carrots and set aside.
  2. Boil and Mash the Potatoes
    • Boil the potatoes in water until tender, then drain and mash.
  3. Combine Ingredients
    • In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed potatoes, leek, carrots, red pepper, chives, and spinach. Mix in the dill and parsley.
  4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, olive oil, flour, baking powder, milk, basil, dried garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the vegetable mix and stir well.
  5. Add Cheese
    • Fold in the grated cheese and mozzarella, combining until well distributed.
  6. Bake
    • Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes or until golden and set.
  7. Prepare the Garlic Herb Sauce
    • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, dill, and minced garlic until well combined.
  8. Serve
    • Cut the vegetable egg bake into slices and serve warm, topped with a dollop of garlic herb sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of fresh salad
  • Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus
  • Top with avocado slices for added creaminess
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
  • Enjoy with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast

Cooking Tips

  • Chop Vegetables Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
  • Pre-Cook Potatoes: Boiling and mashing potatoes adds a smooth texture.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley enhance flavor; dried can be used if fresh isn’t available.
  • Add Cheese Last: Mix cheese into the batter last for an even cheese melt.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Bake until set and golden but still moist inside.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Vegetable-Packed: Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals from mixed vegetables.
  • High in Protein: Eggs and cheese offer a good protein source.
  • Calcium-Rich: Cheese and yogurt add a calcium boost for bone health.
  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Antioxidant Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley provide antioxidants for cellular health.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour as a substitute
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for lower carbs
  • Nut-Free: Free from nuts, safe for nut allergies
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheese and yogurt with dairy-free alternatives

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~250 kcal
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
  • Freeze: Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese creates a rich, savory taste.
  • Quick and Simple: Straightforward preparation with common ingredients.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: A well-balanced meal that provides essential nutrients.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The comforting flavors make it a favorite for all ages.

Conclusion

This Vegetable Egg Bake with Cheese and Herb Sauce is a simple and nutritious dish with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this recipe offers a hearty, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Top with a dollop of garlic herb sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other vegetables?
    Yes, add zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes based on your preference.
  2. Can I skip the flour?
    Yes, it will be less structured but still tasty. Cornstarch can also be used as a gluten-free alternative.
  3. What other cheeses work well?
    Feta, gouda, or cheddar are great substitutes for added flavor.
  4. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Yes, use dairy-free cheese and replace milk with a plant-based alternative.
  5. Is it okay to add more eggs?
    Yes, adding more eggs will make it fluffier and add more protein. Adjust baking time accordingly.