Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, peel and thinly slice your russet potatoes. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible, about 1/8-inch thick, to ensure even cooking.

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced potatoes and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and turn golden around the edges. This step helps the potatoes cook more evenly when baked in the casserole. Once done, set the potatoes aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but still slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, you can also add Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to put everything together! In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), start layering the ingredients. Begin with a layer of the sautéed potatoes, followed by a layer of the sautéed vegetables. Pour some of the creamy cheese sauce over the vegetables and potatoes, making sure to spread it evenly. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. After this initial baking time, remove the foil, sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs (if using), and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice.

Serve this comforting casserole as a main dish for a hearty vegetarian meal, or as a delicious side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled chicken.

Tips for Success

1. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper for other vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, cauliflower, or peas would also work wonderfully in this casserole.
2. Make It Lighter: To reduce the richness, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even low-fat milk. You can also use a lighter cheese or reduce the amount of cheese for a less indulgent version.
3. Cheese Variety: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. A combination of cheeses can add layers of flavor and texture to the casserole.
4. Add Protein: For a more filling dish, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the casserole for extra protein. Just make sure the meat is cooked before layering it into the dish.
5. Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese

This Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender vegetables and fluffy potatoes. It’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck, it’s the kind of dish that always gets rave reviews.

With its rich, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and savory vegetables, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. It’s a great way to get your vegetables in while enjoying all the comforting flavors of a classic cheesy dish.

So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy with loved ones, this Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole with Cheese is the perfect dish to add to your recipe repertoire. Prepare to dig in and savor every cheesy, veggie-filled bite!