Baked vegetables with cheese is a delicious and easy side dish that adds a creamy, savory element to your meal. Here’s a simple recipe for Baked Vegetables with Cheese:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or Parmesan)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch the vegetables: In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the cheese sauce
- Cook the garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream or milk, and bring to a simmer.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine and bake
- Mix vegetables and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched vegetables with the cheese sauce. Stir until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (such as a 9x13 inch dish or similar).
- Top with extra cheese: If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
Step 4: Bake the dish
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad.
- It also pairs well with pasta or can be enjoyed as a hearty, vegetarian main course.
Enjoy your creamy and comforting baked vegetables with cheese!
