Description
A comforting and nutritious casserole packed with vibrant vegetables and a blend of melting cheeses, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 2 cups Cauliflower
- 1 cup Carrots
- 1 cup Zucchini
- 1 cup Yellow Squash
- 1 cup Bell Peppers
- 1 cup Green Beans or Corn
- 2 cups Spinach or Kale
- 4 tablespoons Sharp Cheddar
- 1 cup Mozzarella
- 1 cup Gruyère
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- ¼ cup Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the vegetables: Blanch broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans in a large pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until vibrant. Remove and drain thoroughly, then set aside.
- Sauté the zucchini and yellow squash in a skillet over medium heat with a sprinkle of salt until lightly golden and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Build the roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Fold in cheese: Once your sauce thickens, lower the heat and stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, salt, and pepper until completely melted and creamy.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix all vegetables, pour the cheese sauce over them, and stir until every bite is coated with cheesy goodness.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
Make-ahead by preparing a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. For a vegan version, use plant-based ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: casserole, vegetarian, comfort food, cheesy, family dinner