Fresh Vegetable Bake with a Cheesy Twist

🥦 Fresh Vegetable Bake with a Cheesy Twist

A vibrant, wholesome medley of seasonal veggies baked in a golden, creamy cheese sauce—comfort food that’s both nutritious and indulgent!

🌿 Ingredients

For the Veggie Base:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for vegan)

• 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for GF)

• 1.5 cups milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar (or vegan cheese)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp dried oregano

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Veggies

• Toss broccoli, zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, and onion with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 mins until slightly tender.

• Stir in spinach (it wilts quickly).

2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce

• Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux (1 min).

• Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened (3-4 mins).

• Remove from heat, stir in cheeses, mustard, and nutmeg until smooth.

3️⃣ Assemble & Bake

• Spread roasted veggies in a baking dish. Pour cheese sauce evenly over top.

• Mix panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and oregano; sprinkle over the bake.

• Bake 20-25 mins at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Let cool 5 mins. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

💡 Pro Tips

✔ Gluten-free? Use cornstarch and GF breadcrumbs.
✔ Add protein: Mix in diced chicken, tofu, or white beans.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight.

🌟 Why You’ll Love It

✅ Sneaks in veggies with irresistible cheesiness.
✅ Flexible—swap veggies based on season (try sweet potatoes or mushrooms!).
✅ Crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family dinners.

Pair with: A crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread! 🥖

Want a spicy kick? Add diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce! 🌶️