Cheesy Vegetable Mashed Potato Bake with Savory Gravy
Indulge in a hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. This Cheesy Vegetable Mashed Potato Bake combines creamy mashed potatoes with a colorful medley of nutritious vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for family gatherings, this budget-friendly meal is not only simple to prepare, but it also provides a wholesome dose of vitamins and minerals. Topped with melted cheddar and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish makes for a delicious centerpiece that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
2 lbs (Ready to use)
Vegetable stock
21 ounces (Liquid)
Whole milk
21 ounces (Liquid)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
1/2 cup (For thickening)
Egg yolk
1 (Lightly beaten)
Carrot
1 (Peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices)
Red onion
1/2 (Diced)
Broccoli floret
1 cup (Fresh)
Frozen green peas
1/2 cup (Frozen)
Garlic cloves
6 medium (Minced)
Tomato
1 large (Diced)
Spinach
1 cup (Chopped)
Red bell pepper
1 small (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Thyme
1/2 tablespoon (Dried)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Light soy sauce
5 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (Packaged or fresh)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (Grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Vegetable Mashed Potato Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with a colorful medley of vegetables, all smothered in a rich, savory gravy and topped with melted cheddar and breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it uses vegetable stock and a variety of fresh vegetables without any meat products.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 lbs of Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, which are ready to use for convenience.
Which vegetables are included in the bake?
The bake features a mix of carrots, red onions, broccoli florets, frozen green peas, tomatoes, spinach, and red bell peppers.
How is the savory gravy made?
The savory gravy is prepared using vegetable stock, whole milk, butter, and flour as a thickener, seasoned with light soy sauce and herbs.
What seasonings provide the flavor for this dish?
The dish is seasoned with dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for one cup of grated cheddar cheese to create a gooey, melted topping.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, the description highlights this as a budget-friendly meal that uses simple ingredients to provide a wholesome and filling dinner.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is both melted and crispy thanks to the combination of cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs.
Does this dish contain garlic?
Yes, the recipe includes 6 medium minced garlic cloves, adding a deep savory flavor to the vegetable mix.
How should I prepare the carrots for this recipe?
The carrots should be peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices to ensure they cook through during the baking process.
Is the dish spicy?
While it contains 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, the dish is generally mild and seasoned for comfort rather than heat.
What role does the egg yolk play?
One lightly beaten egg yolk is used in the recipe, which helps enrich the texture and color of the potato or gravy mixture.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for frozen green peas, and other frozen vegetables can be substituted if fresh ones are unavailable.
What type of milk is used in the gravy?
The recipe uses 21 ounces of whole milk to ensure the savory gravy is rich and creamy.
Why is soy sauce included in the recipe?
Light soy sauce is used as a seasoning to provide an umami depth to the vegetable and gravy base.
How should the red bell pepper be cut?
The red bell pepper should be cut into small 1/2-inch cubes for even distribution throughout the bake.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal that provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables included.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs?
Yes, the recipe states you can use either packaged or fresh breadcrumbs for the crispy topping.
Is this bake suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a family meal and designed to satisfy even pickier eaters with its cheesy and creamy components.
What is the preparation style for the red onion?
The recipe calls for half of a red onion, which should be finely diced.
How much vegetable stock do I need?
You will need 21 ounces of liquid vegetable stock for this recipe.
Is the spinach cooked before adding it to the bake?
The spinach should be chopped and mixed into the dish where it will wilt and cook during the baking process.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter, which is used to help form the base of the gravy.
Can I make this as a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it an excellent choice for easy serving and cleanup.
How much flour is required for thickening?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of flour to ensure the savory gravy reaches the proper consistency.
How are the broccoli florets prepared?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh broccoli florets, which should be bite-sized for the best results in the bake.
Is the tomato peeled or unpeeled?
The recipe calls for 1 large diced tomato; peeling is not required, as the dice will soften beautifully in the oven.
What is the primary cooking method?
This is an oven-baked dish, which allows all the flavors to meld together and the topping to become golden and crispy.
Can I customize the vegetables?
While the recipe specifies a certain medley, the dish is versatile and you can adjust the vegetable quantities based on what you have on hand.