Skip to content
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or gouda)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Blanch or Steam the Vegetables: Blanch or steam the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until they are just tender (about 3-4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Zucchini: In a small pan, sauté the zucchini slices in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. This will help reduce moisture from the zucchini.
3. Make the Cheesy Custard:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme until fully combined.
4. Layer the Vegetables:
In the prepared baking dish, layer the vegetables:
- Start with a layer of broccoli and cauliflower at the bottom.
- Add a layer of carrots, then the sautéed zucchini slices, and finish with the halved cherry tomatoes on top.
5. Add the Cheeses:
- Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a nice cheesy crust.
6. Add Breadcrumbs (Optional):
If you want a bit of crunch on top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, depending on your preferences and what’s in season.
- Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, mix different cheeses, such as mozzarella, gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
This Fresh Vegetable Bake with a Cheesy Twist is an easy, comforting, and nutritious dish that brings out the best in fresh veggies with the added indulgence of cheesy goodness. Enjoy!