- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Assemble:
- In the large baking dish, combine the blanched cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the dish.
- Dot with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Blanching: Blanching the vegetables helps to soften them slightly and bring out their vibrant colors while ensuring they cook evenly in the bake.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for varied flavors.
- Vegetable Varieties: You can add or substitute other vegetables such as mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach based on your preference.
Variations
- Meat Addition: Add cooked chicken, bacon, or ham for a non-vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve the bake as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or a hearty stew.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
This Cauliflower and Vegetable Bake with Sour Cream and Cheese is a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness with the wholesome flavors of fresh vegetables!