creamy, cheesy baked vegetable casserole

A delicious, comforting casserole made with tender vegetables, rich cream sauce, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 25–30 minutes Servings: 4–6 Oven temperature: 200°C (400°F)

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 cups cauliflower florets

• 1 large carrot, sliced

• 1 cup potatoes, diced (optional)

• ½ cup sweet corn or peas

• 1 small capsicum, chopped

Creamy cheese sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk

• ½ cup cooking cream

• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp mixed herbs or oregano

Topping

• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)

• Chilli flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Boil the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and potatoes for 4–6 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and mix with the corn, peas and capsicum.

2. Make the creamy sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.

3. Add cream and cheese. Stir in the cooking cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper and mixed herbs. Heat gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

4. Assemble. Fold the prepared vegetables into the sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Add the topping. Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the vegetables. Add breadcrumbs if you want a slightly crunchy crust.

6. Bake. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling. For a deeper golden crust, grill for another 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.

7. Rest and serve. Leave the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the best results

• Extra creamy: Add another ¼ cup of cream to the sauce.

• Extra cheesy: Mix cheddar into the sauce and mozzarella on top.

• Avoid watery casserole: Drain the vegetables well before adding the sauce.

• Add protein: Include cooked chicken, chickpeas or white beans.

• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when needed. If baking straight from the fridge, allow extra cooking time.

Serve hot with garlic bread, dinner rolls or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.