Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the Potatoes and Vegetables: Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly slice the potatoes, carrot, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Aim for consistent thickness (about 1/8 inch) so that everything cooks evenly.
- Season the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer the Vegetables in the Baking Dish
- Arrange in Layers: Begin by arranging a layer of potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add a layer of carrots, followed by zucchini, bell pepper, and onions. Repeat the layers until all the vegetables are used up, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
- Season Each Layer: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper between each layer to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour Over the Vegetables: Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the layered vegetables, ensuring it seeps down to the bottom. Use a spatula to gently press the vegetables down so they’re well-coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add the Cheese Topping: After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness: The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the potatoes should be soft and fully cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Let It Rest: Once the bake is out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish, such as roasted chicken, grilled meats, or as a standalone vegetarian meal.
Tips for the Best Savory Vegetable Potato Bake:
- Cut Even Slices: Using a mandoline ensures even slices, which helps all the vegetables cook at the same rate.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for variety.
- Make it Cheesy: You can add more cheese to the layers for an extra cheesy bake, or mix different types of cheeses for more complex flavors.
- Make it Ahead: This bake can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Just bake it off when you’re ready to serve, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
This Savory Vegetable Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines the creamy richness of potatoes with the freshness of vegetables. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a vegetarian main, it’s sure to be a hit with its layers of flavor and satisfying texture.
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