Introduction: Savory Potato and Vegetable Bake is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender potatoes and a variety of vegetables, all baked together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect as a side or a light main course, and it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of soft potatoes, colorful veggies, and a cheesy topping makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the sliced carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 4-5 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or half-and-half) with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour a little bit of the cream mixture over the potatoes, followed by a layer of the sautéed vegetables. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Description:
Savory Potato and Vegetable Bake is a satisfying dish that features tender layers of sliced potatoes paired with a variety of colorful vegetables, all bound together in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. The rich flavors of the potatoes and cream, combined with the texture and nutrients from the vegetables, make it a balanced and delicious option for any meal. The golden, cheesy crust adds a perfect finishing touch, making this bake a comforting favorite.
Tips:
If you want extra creaminess, you can add a little bit of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would also work well in this dish.
To save time, you can parboil the potatoes for 5-6 minutes before layering them in the dish to ensure they cook faster.
If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese before baking.
For a vegan version, you can use a plant-based cream and cheese substitute.
Variations:
Cheesy Bacon Potato Bake: Add crumbled cooked bacon between the layers of potatoes and vegetables for a savory, smoky flavor.
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the cream mixture for extra fragrance and flavor.
Spicy Potato Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream mixture or sprinkle some chopped jalapeños over the vegetables for a spicy kick.
Meat Lover’s Bake: Incorporate cooked sausage or ground beef into the vegetable layers for a heartier version.
Corrections:
If the potatoes aren’t fully cooked after baking, cover the dish and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
To avoid a watery dish, make sure the cream and cheese mixture is evenly distributed throughout the layers, and try not to overdo it with the cream if you’re using a very watery vegetable (like zucchini).
If the top isn’t browning as much as you’d like, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Enjoy:
This Savory Potato and Vegetable Bake is perfect for a comforting meal or as a side dish at your next family gathering. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a special occasion, its creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant vegetables are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of this delicious and hearty bake!