Rich Creamy Winter Vegetable Bake Recipe
This Rich Creamy Winter Vegetable Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring a medley of blanched cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, all enveloped in a luscious creamy cheese sauce and topped with Parmesan and crispy breadcrumbs, this bake offers warmth and satisfying flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
Sauce & Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Medium Saucepan
- Large pot
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and an enjoyable texture.
- Blanch the vegetables: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the vegetables and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain them well to remove excess water.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine and assemble: Mix the blanched vegetables with the creamy cheese sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a flavorful crust.
- Bake the dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the vegetable bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the bake set.
Notes
- Blanching the vegetables helps retain their bright color and crisp-tender texture when baked.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Ensure to drain the blanched vegetables well so that the bake is not watery.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Keywords: Winter Vegetable Bake, Creamy Vegetable Casserole, Cheesy Vegetable Bake, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Bake
