Savory Vegetable and Cheese Casserole

Introduction

A savory vegetable and cheese casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 2 cups of cauliflower florets
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and prepare all the vegetables as indicated in the ingredients list. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets, slice the mushrooms, dice the bell peppers and onion, and slice the zucchini and yellow squash.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Season with dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Assembling the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sautéed vegetables evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Pour half of the sauce over the cheese and vegetables. Repeat the layers with the remaining sautéed vegetables, cheese, and sauce.

Step 5: Baking the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Variations

This vegetable and cheese casserole can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced cooked ham for a meaty version.
• Replace the cheddar and mozzarella cheese with Swiss or Gruyere for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as spinach, kale, or asparagus.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your savory vegetable and cheese casserole turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to use a combination of your favorite vegetables or whatever vegetables you have on hand.
• You can blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are cooked through.
• For a crispier topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer before baking.
• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

A savory vegetable and cheese casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With its combination of nutritious vegetables, flavorful cheese, and creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while indulging in a comforting and satisfying meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen for future use. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it as directed.

3. Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. You can use a combination of your favorite cheeses or try different varieties such as Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.

4. Can I add meat to this casserole?

Yes, if you prefer a meaty version, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced cooked ham to the casserole. Simply sprinkle it over the vegetable layers before adding the cheese and sauce.