Description
A comforting and colorful Veggie Casserole featuring steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper combined with creamy cheese and herbs, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer for a satisfying baked dish perfect for a healthy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam Vegetables: Steam or lightly boil broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini for 5–6 minutes until they become just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the vegetable mixture to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Steaming the vegetables lightly prevents them from becoming mushy during baking, keeping a nice texture.
- Using sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess; you can substitute based on preference or dietary needs.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the cheese and sour cream are free from animal rennet if necessary.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
