Ultimate Savory Vegetable & Cheese Bake

Ultimate Savory Vegetable & Cheese Bake 

This hearty, golden-brown vegetable bake is the perfect way to pack nutritious veggies into a delicious, comforting dish. With a fluffy egg-based batter and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, it’s versatile enough to serve as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side dish. The combination of sweet carrots, mild zucchini, and savory onions creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Vegetable Mixture

• 50g carrot, peeled and finely grated (about 1 small carrot)
• 1 medium zucchini (approx. 200g), grated (excess moisture squeezed out)
• ½ small onion (about 50g), finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)

Batter

• 1 large egg (room temperature for better mixing)
• 100ml whole milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 100g (about ⅔ cup) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• 1 tsp baking powder (for extra fluffiness)

Cheese & Toppings

• ½ cup (50g) grated sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan)
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or panko (for a crispy topping, optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (to drizzle on top for extra crispiness)

(Optional add-ins: Diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 20x20cm or 8×8 inches) with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

• Grate the carrot and zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture—this prevents the bake from becoming soggy.
• Finely dice the onion (and garlic, if using).

3. Make the Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, pepper, and dried herbs (if using).
• Sift in the flour and baking powder to avoid lumps, then stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

4. Combine Vegetables & Batter

• Add the grated carrot, zucchini, and diced onion to the batter. Mix gently until all vegetables are evenly coated.
• If adding extra ingredients (like cheese, bacon, or spinach), fold them in now.

5. Assemble & Bake

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Sprinkle grated cheese generously on top, followed by breadcrumbs (if using). For extra crispiness, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Serving

• Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set.
• Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil) for a pop of color.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

 Moisture Control: Squeezing the zucchini well is key to preventing a soggy bake.
 Cheese Choices: A mix of cheddar (for flavor) and mozzarella (for stretchiness) works great.
 Make It Crispy: For an extra-crunchy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
 Meal Prep: This bake keeps well for 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

 As a Main Dish: Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
 As a Side: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or fish.
 Brunch Option: Top with a poached or fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

Dietary Adjustments

 Vegan Version: Replace the egg with 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, use plant-based milk, and vegan cheese.
 Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
 Lower-Carb: Use almond flour or coconut flour (adjust quantities as they absorb more liquid).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 10g

“This vegetable bake is the ultimate comfort food—packed with goodness, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser!”

Try it out and share your creations with #CheesyVeggieBake!