Veggie Bake: A Wholesome Comfort Dish You’ll Crave Again and Again Recipe
Introduction
This veggie bake is a wholesome and comforting dish that brings together fresh vegetables and creamy cheeses. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the sliced zucchini, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, eggs, and half of the shredded mozzarella until well combined.
- Step 3: Grease a baking dish and layer the roasted vegetables along with chopped spinach evenly. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the veggies.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 5: Let the veggie bake rest for 10 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, stir in cooked quinoa or shredded chicken to the cottage cheese mixture before baking.
- Swap out mozzarella for cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of oregano for a different aromatic profile.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese and eggs with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to a day before baking; cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready.
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Veggie Bake: A Wholesome Comfort Dish You’ll Crave Again and Again Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Veggie Bake is a comforting and wholesome dish featuring roasted zucchinis, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes layered with a creamy cottage cheese and egg mixture, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it makes a delicious, healthy meal perfect for any time you crave a hearty vegetarian entree.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and roast vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, toss sliced zucchinis, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes with the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a lovely roasted aroma.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: While the vegetables roast, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. This mixture will serve as a creamy, protein-packed layer for the bake.
- Assemble the veggie bake: Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread a layer of the roasted vegetables evenly in the dish, then add a layer of the chopped spinach. Pour the cottage cheese and egg mixture over the veggies and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake to perfection: Place the assembled baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the casserole is set.
- Rest and garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the bake to set further. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving to add freshness and a burst of color.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, especially spices and cheeses, are certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different leafy greens.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of the cheeses.
- This dish can be served as a main vegetarian meal or a hearty side dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: veggie bake, vegetarian casserole, roasted vegetables, healthy comfort food, baked zucchini, cottage cheese casserole
