Vegetable Mushroom Potato Bake

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent the bake from sticking.

2. Slice the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired), then slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the better they will cook and absorb the flavors. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is a great tool to make even, uniform slices.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are tender. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking to wilt it down. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary. Once everything is cooked, set it aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vegetable broth until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a little extra thyme or rosemary here for added flavor. Set this sauce mixture aside.

5. Assemble the Bake

Now, it’s time to layer everything in your prepared baking dish. Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire dish. Then, spoon a portion of the sautéed vegetable and mushroom mixture over the potatoes. Pour a little of the creamy sauce on top to coat the vegetables and potatoes.

Repeat these layers—potatoes, vegetables, and sauce—until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of potatoes. Pour any remaining cream sauce over the top and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the surface.

6. Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish to a protein of your choice.

Tips for Success:

• Use a Mandoline: For uniform potato slices, a mandoline slicer is a great tool. It ensures even cooking and creates a professional-looking dish.
• Add More Cheese: If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, feel free to add an extra layer of cheese between the vegetable layers for a creamier, cheesier bake.
• Make It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply use plant-based cream (like coconut milk or almond cream) and swap the cheese for a vegan cheese alternative.
• Customize the Veggies: This bake is extremely versatile. Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Roasted carrots, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts would all work well in this dish.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a little garlic powder or onion powder to the creamy sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works:

The beauty of the Vegetable Mushroom Potato Bake lies in its layers of flavor and texture. The earthy mushrooms provide a savory umami taste, while the potatoes are rich and creamy, soaking up the delicious sauce. The onions and bell peppers add a bit of sweetness, and the spinach or kale brings in some freshness and color.

The creamy sauce made from heavy cream and vegetable broth binds everything together, creating a luscious, velvety coating for the potatoes and vegetables. Topping the bake with cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds an extra layer of indulgence.

A Perfect Comfort Meal

Whether you’re craving a cozy, meatless meal for a chilly evening or you’re in need of a flavorful side dish for a family gathering, the Vegetable Mushroom Potato Bake will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. It’s a simple, flexible recipe that’s easy to make, and with its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite in your regular dinner rotation.

So grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy a comforting, wholesome, and absolutely delicious meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!