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Cheesy Autumn Vegetable Bake

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: cheesy, autumn, vegetable bake, fall recipe, gluten-free, comfort food, seasonal vegetables, baked vegetables, cheesy casserole