A Fresh Vegetable Bake with a Cheesy Twist sounds delicious! It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of veggies with a comforting, melty cheese topping. Here’s a simple recipe idea for you:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 cup sliced carrots (blanched or sautéed)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, steam or blanch the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until just tender (about 3-4 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and bell peppers: In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell peppers until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Make the cheesy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or cream cheese), milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the bake: In a greased baking dish, layer the blanched vegetables. Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the vegetables, ensuring they are all covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and if you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
This cheesy vegetable bake is a great side dish or even a main course if you want something light yet hearty. Would you add any specific veggies or spices to make it your own?