Cheesy Autumn Vegetable Bake
A warm and comforting Cheesy Autumn Vegetable Bake featuring seasonal root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy fall dinners, this dish offers a rich blend of flavors and textures, with a gooey cheese topping and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare, versatile, and ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 cups cream or milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild mozzarella cheese, shredded
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare your vegetables: Begin by washing, peeling, and chopping your root vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, and slice mushrooms to complement the mix.
- Pre-cook the vegetables: Roast or sauté the vegetables lightly to bring out their natural sweetness and soften them just enough for the bake without losing their structure.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add cream or milk while stirring constantly until silky and thick. Stir in your cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine and season: Mix the cooked vegetables with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs, ensuring each component is well coated with that rich, creamy goodness.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
- Even chopping: Cut vegetables into similar sizes for uniform cooking and texture.
- Don’t skip pre-cooking: It prevents sogginess and enhances flavors by reducing excess moisture.
- Use a cheese blend: Combining sharper and milder cheeses gives both flavor complexity and ideal meltiness.
- Let it rest: Allow the bake to cool for at least 10 minutes to set before serving.
- Add breadcrumbs: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy, autumn, vegetable bake, fall recipe, gluten-free, comfort food, seasonal vegetables, baked vegetables, cheesy casserole