Name: Creamy Vegetable Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 cups / 600g of frozen or assorted vegetables cut into large chunks SEE NOTE 1; 3 Tablespoons / 60g butter; 1/4 cup / 30g plain OR cake OR all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes (optional); 2 cups / 500 ml milk; salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup / 113g / 4oz grated cheddar cheese SEE NOTE 2

This Creamy Vegetable Bake is a medley of vegetables baked to perfection in cheese and white sauce. It is total indulgence with the goodness of veggies.

Creamy vegetable bake

This creamy veggie bake makes its appearance on our dinner table at least once every week. It makes a great side dish that works well with many meat and fish dishes. It can even be served Just on its own for a simple lunch or even a dinner, with a delicious crusty bread on the side.

Folded in a delicious cheesy sauce, this creamy vegetable bake is super easy to make. Made with simple ingredients this is such a great way to add tons of veggies to your menu.

I can bet that this dish would be loved by kids and adults alike.

Easy variations and versatility

You know how I really love versatility in a recipe, and this recipe definitely does not disappoint. Here's why,

You don’t have to stick to just one combination of vegetables, I mean you can use any combo of vegetables you desire.
Choose between frozen or fresh seasonal vegetables
Serve as an accompaniment or meal on its own
Glam it up with different cheese and crumbs or keep it simple just topped with melted golden cheese.
Perfect all year round, in summer using seasonal veggies or the perfect comfort winter dish with spicy cheese sauce.

Which vegetables to use

While almost any type of vegetables can be used for this bake here are a few suggestions if you would like to give it a try.

butternut
cauliflower broccoli
carrots
sweet potato
zucchini or courgette
brussel sprouts
sweet pepper slices

Tips to make the perfect white sauce

My recipe is for a basic white sauce also called Bechamel sauce.

It's like a blank canvas where you can add different types of seasonings and flavourings to the sauce. The vegetables are topped and folded in this creamy deliciousness.

Here are a few tips on how to create a smooth sauce and ideas for seasoning

Whisking the butter and flour well while slowly adding the milk will result in a smooth, creamy sauce every time.
Cook the butter and flour on medium-low heat to prevent burning.
You can add a variety of ingredients to a basic white sauce transforming it into a flavour you prefer. Some of the additional flavourings include chopped chives, different types of grated cheese, dried herbs, dried chilli flakes or even cooked chopped mushrooms.
Instead of just milk add ½ cream and ½ milk to create a rich silky sauce

How to make Creamy Vegetable Bake

Make the sauce by melting butter in a pot over medium heat.

Stir in the flour, ground black pepper, salt and dried chilli flakes if using.

Cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes or until thick and bubbling. Gradually stir in milk. Whisk until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Add the grated cheese and whisk until melted

Pour the sauce over the vegetables. Top with more grated cheese and dried chilli flakes if using.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked to your preference· and the cheese melted

Enjoy ♥

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