Directions
Prepare Vegetables:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Slice Vegetables: Slice the eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and onion.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
Cook Vegetables: Add the eggplant, peppers, and zucchini to the pan. Season with salt, dried basil, and thyme. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Prepare Baking Dish:
Grease Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Layer Vegetables: Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the dish.
Add Tomatoes and Cheese:
Layer Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes and layer them over the vegetables in the baking dish.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 60 grams of grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
Bake:
First Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
Add Toppings: After 30 minutes, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds on top.
Final Bake: Bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Salad: Serve this baked vegetable casserole with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread.
Main or Side Dish: It makes a great main dish for a vegetarian meal or a flavorful side dish for any occasion.
Cooking Tips
Extra Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add your favorite herbs like oregano or rosemary.
Cooking Vegetables: Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are slightly tender before baking to ensure they are fully cooked in the casserole.
Nutritional Benefits
Rich in Vitamins: This casserole is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
Protein and Calcium: It provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese.
Balanced and Nutritious: It’s a nutritious and balanced dish that is both satisfying and healthy.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: You’ll love this baked vegetable casserole because it’s easy to make.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients and full of rich, cheesy flavor.
Versatile Dish: It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Conclusion
This baked vegetable casserole with cheese is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Enjoy the combination of tender vegetables and melted cheese, and share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Bon appétit! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to customize the dish to your liking.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting too soggy?
Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender before baking, and avoid overbaking the casserole.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use dairy-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole completely dairy-free.
What type of tomatoes work best in this recipe?
Use firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or plum tomatoes, as they hold up well during baking and provide a nice flavor.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be used. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a light salad, garlic bread, or even as a side dish with grilled meats or tofu.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To increase the protein content, you can add cooked chickpeas, beans, or even a layer of tofu before baking.
