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Rich Creamy Winter Vegetable Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

This Rich Creamy Winter Vegetable Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole brimming with tender cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts enveloped in a luscious creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for chilly days, it pairs a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses seasoned with thyme, garlic, and nutmeg, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. A delightful way to enjoy winter vegetables in a warm, cheesy bake that nourishes the soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and cutting the vegetables—florets of cauliflower and broccoli, sliced carrots, and halved Brussels sprouts—to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  2. Blanch the Vegetables: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Cheese to Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
  5. Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Place the blanched vegetables into a baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, gently stirring to coat all the pieces.
  6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the vegetable and sauce mixture to create a crispy crust after baking.
  7. Bake the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm. This bake pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a side to roasted meats.

Notes

  • Blanching the vegetables before baking helps retain their vibrant color and keeps them tender-crisp.
  • Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though the dish will be less rich.
  • Breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers or panko for different texture variations.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheeses do not contain animal rennet.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Winter vegetable bake, creamy vegetable casserole, broccoli cauliflower bake, cheesy vegetable bake, comfort food, vegetarian casserole

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/rich-creamy-winter-vegetable-bake-recipe/