Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Vegetables
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch thick). Peel and slice the carrots, thinly slice the zucchini, and chop the onion. Dice the red bell pepper and cut the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the sliced carrots, zucchini, and broccoli, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste, known as a roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Layer the Vegetables and Potatoes: Spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Follow with a layer of the sautéed vegetable mixture. Continue layering in this order—potatoes, vegetables—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the layered vegetables and potatoes, ensuring everything is covered.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and Add Cheese: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help it crisp up.
- Bake Until Golden: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve: Serve this hearty bake as a main dish alongside a crisp green salad or as a side with your favorite protein like grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork.
Tips for Success
- Even Slicing: To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes and vegetables uniformly. A mandoline slicer can make this task easier and quicker.
- Pre-Cook the Vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables before baking helps enhance their flavor and ensures they cook evenly with the potatoes.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. If refrigerated, it may take an extra 10 minutes in the oven to heat through.
- Add Protein: To make this a more filling main dish, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon bits into the layers for extra protein.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Savory Potato and Vegetable Bake
This dish is more than just a side—it’s a meal in itself! The creamy sauce envelops the tender potatoes and vegetables, creating a flavor-packed bite every time. The combination of cheese, herbs, and a rich, velvety sauce elevates the simple ingredients to something special. It’s an ideal dish to feed a crowd, and it’s guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for seconds.
With the perfect balance of vegetables and creamy sauce, this Hearty Savory Potato and Vegetable Bake will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction you could want. Enjoy every bite!