Description
This Cozy Creamy Winter Vegetable Bake is a delicious and hearty 7-layer dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring a blend of sautéed winter vegetables combined with creamy sauce and quinoa, topped with mozzarella and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, this bake offers comforting flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 2 cups sliced Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains & Cheese
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids & Oils
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish to prepare it for layering the bake.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add diced butternut squash, chopped carrots, and sliced Brussels sprouts. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly tender.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in chopped kale and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the kale wilts and mushrooms soften.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well blended to create the creamy sauce.
- Combine Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with the cooked quinoa. Pour the creamy sauce over this mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer the Bake: Transfer half of the vegetable and quinoa mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over it. Add the remaining vegetable mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the layered bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes to help the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you want extra crispiness on top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- This bake pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
