Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced russet potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Add the bell pepper, broccoli florets, zucchini slices, and peas to the skillet. Cook the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still vibrant. Sprinkle with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to season the vegetables, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (a thick paste). Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese), garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In the prepared dish, combine the cooked potatoes with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir gently to combine everything until the potatoes and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

If desired, sprinkle the top with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If you added extra cheese on top, it should be melted and lightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives, if desired, for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve this comforting Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese as a side dish with your favorite protein, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course for a delicious, filling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

1. Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of tender potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious cheese sauce makes each bite rich and indulgent. The cheese adds a delightful creaminess that brings everything together.
2. Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole based on what you have in your fridge. Add or swap vegetables like spinach, carrots, cauliflower, or mushrooms. You can even throw in cooked bacon or sausage if you prefer a meaty version.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day for an easy, no-fuss dinner.
4. Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, comforting nature of this casserole makes it a hit with kids, and it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables. You can even try swapping out some of the veggies for others that your children enjoy more.
5. One-Pan Wonder: Not only does this casserole make cleanup easy, but the layers of flavor come together effortlessly in just one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best in this casserole because they become fluffy and tender when cooked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
• Add Protein: To make this a more filling main dish, add some shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or sausage to the casserole for extra protein.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work perfectly, fresh herbs can add an extra burst of flavor. Try adding fresh thyme or basil to the sauce or as a garnish to elevate the taste.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

The Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese is a comforting, versatile, and delicious dish that brings together the best of cheesy goodness, hearty potatoes, and colorful vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the main course, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your table.

With its creamy cheese sauce, tender vegetables, and satisfying potatoes, this casserole is a perfect addition to any meal, and it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without compromising on flavor. Try it out today, and enjoy a warm, comforting dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!