Few things are as satisfying as a warm, cheesy vegetable casserole fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish, a hearty meatless main course, or a meal-prep-friendly option, this recipe is perfect. With broccoli, cauliflower, and colorful bell peppers, this casserole is packed with nutrients while delivering rich, cheesy goodness in every bite.
This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and great for all occasions—from family dinners to potlucks. It’s vegetarian, naturally gluten-free, and can be customized to fit different dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids (and picky eaters) to enjoy their vegetables!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Uses basic ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.
- Cheesy & Satisfying: The perfect mix of crispy veggies and gooey melted cheese.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to fit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make this deliciously cheesy baked vegetable dish:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Cauliflower florets | 2 cups |
| Red bell pepper, chopped | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper, chopped | 1 |
| Egg | 1 |
| Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) | 1 cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Dried oregano (optional) | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
3. Season the Vegetables
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using).
- Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
4. Mix the Custard
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the seasoned vegetables.
- Stir gently to coat all the veggies.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
6. Bake Until Golden
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Cool & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy this cheesy vegetable casserole as a main dish or a hearty side!
Health Benefits of Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
1. Loaded with Vitamins & Antioxidants
- Broccoli and cauliflower are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and cancer-fighting antioxidants.
- Bell peppers provide vitamin A and vitamin C, which help boost immunity and skin health.
2. High in Protein & Calcium
- Cheese and eggs provide high-quality protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health.
3. Low in Carbs, High in Fiber
- This dish is naturally low-carb, making it great for keto and low-carb diets. The fiber from vegetables helps support digestion and gut health.
4. Supports Heart Health
- Olive oil contains healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
1. Use Fresh Vegetables
- Fresh broccoli and cauliflower give the casserole a great texture and flavor.
2. Adjust the Cheese
- Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
3. Don’t Overbake
- Bake just until the cheese is bubbly and the veggies are tender to prevent a mushy texture.
4. Try a Crunchy Topping
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top before baking for extra texture.
5. Add Extra Seasoning
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika for more depth of flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try
1. Make It Spicy
- Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
2. Add Protein
- Mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
3. Try Different Vegetables
- Swap in zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots for variety.
4. Make It Dairy-Free
- Use dairy-free cheese and almond or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.
5. Turn It Into a Pasta Bake
- Mix in cooked pasta before baking for a cheesy vegetable pasta casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal.
- A fresh green salad for a lighter side.
- Quinoa or rice for a balanced meal.
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating Tips
1. How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
2. How to Reheat
- Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella work well, but you can also use gouda, feta, or Parmesan for different flavors.
4. How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
It’s already low-carb! Just make sure to use full-fat cheese and avoid breadcrumbs.
5. Can I add eggs for extra protein?
Yes! You can mix in scrambled eggs or add extra eggs to make it more filling.
6. What’s the best way to prevent watery casseroles?
Make sure to roast or sauté high-water-content vegetables (like mushrooms or zucchini) before adding them to the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is a simple, comforting, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday side, or meal prep, it’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and delicious vegetable casserole!
Print
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole: A Comforting and Nutritious Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is a warm, comforting, and nutritious dish that’s perfect as a side or a main course. Packed with broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, this casserole is coated in a creamy egg and milk mixture and topped with melted cheese for a rich and satisfying bite. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and great for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, and chopped bell peppers.
-
Season the Vegetables:
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using).
- Toss everything to coat evenly.
-
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the egg mixture over the seasoned vegetables and mix gently.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
-
Bake the Casserole:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
-
Cool & Serve:
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a main dish or a side with your favorite meals.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking.
- For a richer flavor, mix in Parmesan cheese or garlic powder.
- Make it dairy-free by using vegan cheese and almond or coconut milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-second intervals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy