Creamy Mixed Vegetable Bake
This Creamy Mixed Vegetable Bake is the perfect comforting dish to serve at any meal. Packed with vibrant vegetables like carrots, green beans, and cauliflower, this casserole is enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s deliciously seasoned and finished off with a golden layer of parmesan cheese. It's an excellent way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal. Ideal for family gatherings or as a side dish at holiday celebrations, this delightful bake will please even the pickiest eaters. Share it with your loved ones and watch them return for seconds!
N/A
Servings
53
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
3 medium (sliced (about 1 1/2 cups))
Green beans
8 ounces (cut into bite-size pieces)
Cauliflower
1/2 head (cut into florets (about 2 cups))
Onion
1 small (sliced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted, for cooking)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Whipping cream
1/2 cup (heavy cream)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (preferably freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing one inch of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the sliced carrots, green beans, cauliflower florets, and sliced onion to the boiling water.
2
Boil the vegetables for about 12 to 15 minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the vegetables, making sure to reserve about one cup of the cooking liquid, and transfer the veggies to a 2-quart baking dish.
3
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This will create a roux.
4
Gradually stir in one cup of the reserved vegetable water and the whipping cream. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil. Allow it to boil for one minute while continuing to stir, then remove from heat.
5
Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
6
Preheat your broiler to high. Place the baking dish under the broiler and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the top is light brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
7
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Mixed Vegetable Bake!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
4.7g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main vegetables in the Creamy Mixed Vegetable Bake?
The main vegetables used are carrots, green beans, cauliflower, and onion.
How many calories are in a serving of this vegetable bake?
There are approximately 53 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish as it contains no meat.
How long should I boil the vegetables?
The vegetables should be boiled for about 12 to 15 minutes until they are tender.
Do I need to save the water after boiling the vegetables?
Yes, you should reserve about one cup of the cooking liquid to use in the creamy sauce.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this bake.
How do I make the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in reserved vegetable water and whipping cream.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of preferably freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to broil the casserole?
The dish should be broiled on high for about 3 to 4 minutes until the top is light brown and bubbly.
Can I use heavy cream instead of whipping cream?
Yes, the recipe specifies whipping cream, which is often interchangeable with heavy cream in this context.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 3.3 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides about 1.7 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are approximately 4.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many carrots are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 medium carrots, sliced.
How should I prepare the cauliflower?
You should use half a head of cauliflower and cut it into florets, yielding about 2 cups.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data does not list any sugar for this recipe.
What type of flour should I use for the roux?
All-purpose flour is recommended for creating the sauce base.
Can I use frozen green beans?
While the recipe assumes fresh, you can use frozen green beans; just ensure they are cut into bite-size pieces.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this vegetable bake.
Should the onion be cooked separately?
No, the sliced onion is boiled along with the other vegetables.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready after it has come to a boil and has been stirred constantly for one minute.
Can I make this dish for a holiday side?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as an ideal side dish for holiday celebrations.
Is the parmesan cheese mixed into the sauce?
No, the parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top of the casserole before broiling.
How much water do I start with to boil the veggies?
Begin by bringing one inch of water to a boil in a large pot.
What is the primary flavor profile of this bake?
It is a savory, creamy, and comforting dish seasoned with salt, pepper, and parmesan.
What should I do if the broiler is too hot?
Keep a close eye on the dish while it is under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
Specific cholesterol values are not provided, but it contains butter and cream which have cholesterol.
How should I serve the Creamy Mixed Vegetable Bake?
Let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving it as a warm side dish.