This baked vegetable casserole with eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and cheese is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for any meal. With a combination of flavorful vegetables and rich cheeses, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 eggplant
2 peppers
2 zucchini
1 onion
Olive oil
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
60 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt
Dried basil
Thyme
2 cloves of garlic, minced
200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
Additional Parmesan cheese, grated
Sesame seeds
3 tomatoes
Directions
Prepare Vegetables:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Slice the eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and onion.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
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 a baking dish with olive oil.
Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the dish.
Add Tomatoes and Cheese:
Slice the tomatoes and layer them over the vegetables in the baking dish.
Sprinkle 60 grams of grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds on top.
Bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked vegetable casserole with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread. It makes a great main dish for a vegetarian meal or a flavorful side dish for any occasion.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, you can add your favorite herbs like oregano or rosemary.
Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are slightly tender before baking to ensure they are fully cooked in the casserole.
Nutritional Benefits
This casserole is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese. 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
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this baked vegetable casserole because it’s easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and full of rich, cheesy flavor. 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!