Few dishes capture the heart and taste buds like a well-prepared vegetable bake. Packed with layers of tender vegetables, smothered in a creamy, velvety sauce, and finished with a golden, bubbling topping, this recipe will become your go-to for cozy dinners or impressive potlucks. Settle in as we take you through the detailed steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Layers:
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup sweet corn (optional)
For the Cream Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Large baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mandoline slicer (optional, for even slicing)
- Aluminum foil