Description
Warm up with a hearty and wholesome Veggie Casserole that blends vibrant fresh vegetables, creamy textures, and savory spices into a comforting baked dish. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this versatile casserole suits vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, making it perfect for any occasion or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Creamy Base
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cream or milk
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Seasoning & Herbs
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Sauté diced onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and green beans, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme and parsley.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, combine cream or milk with shredded cheese. Stir until fully blended and smooth, creating a flavorful sauce to coat the vegetables.
- Combine and Transfer: Mix the sautéed vegetables with the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help achieve a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pre-cook firmer veggies slightly (sauté or steam) to ensure even tenderness when baked.
- Use fresh thyme and parsley for brighter, more vibrant flavors compared to dried herbs.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping; it adds a delightful crunchy texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help it set and hold together better when served.
- Try mixing different cheeses for added complexity and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: veggie casserole, vegetable bake, vegetarian casserole, vegan casserole option, gluten-free casserole, comfort food, healthy casserole