Scalloped Vegetable Bake is a delightful medley of thinly sliced zucchini, potatoes, and carrots baked to perfection with a mix of herbs and spices. Bathed in an egg and milk mixture and topped with cheddar cheese, this dish is a great addition to any meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. This recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring you'll have a delicious and nutritious meal on your table.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common and likely found in your pantry. The herbs such as dried basil and dried thyme can be found in the spice aisle of your supermarket. If not available, you can substitute them with other dried herbs as per your preference. The vegetables used are also common, but make sure to select fresh and firm ones for the best results.
Ingredients Needed for Scalloped Vegetable Bake
Zucchinis: Zucchinis are the star of this bake. They bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish when baked.Potatoes: Potatoes provide the starchy base needed for a good bake. Make sure to choose firm and fresh potatoes.Carrots: Carrots add a bit of sweetness and color to the bake.Eggs: Eggs act as a binder for all the vegetables and provide structure to the bake.Butter: Butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the bake.Milk: Milk gives the bake its creamy texture.Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm spice that enhances the overall flavor of the bake.Dried basil: Dried basil brings an aromatic touch to the dish.Dried Thyme: Dried thyme lends a subtle earthy flavor to the bake.Salt: Salt is essential to bring out all the flavors in the dish.Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of heat to the bake.All purpose flour: Flour helps to thicken the sauce and adds body to the dish.Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a rich, creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the bake.
One reader, Adriane Gore says:
This scalloped vegetable bake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zucchini, potatoes, and carrots with the creamy, cheesy batter is simply divine. It's a delightful way to get your veggies in and the flavors are so comforting. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Scalloped Vegetable Bake Recipe
How to slice the vegetables thinly: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to carefully slice the zucchinis, potatoes, and carrots into thin, uniform slices. Watch your fingers while slicing.
How to combine the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and milk until well combined. Then, add the nutmeg, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and flour, and whisk until smooth.
How to assemble the bake: Layer half of the vegetable slices in the prepared pan, then sprinkle the cheese over the vegetables. Top with the remaining vegetable slices and cover the pan with aluminum foil before baking.
How to check for doneness: After baking for about 1½ hours, check the vegetables for tenderness using a fork or knife. If they are fully cooked and tender, the bake is ready to be served.
How to release the springform: After cooling for at least 10 minutes, carefully release the springform pan to slice and serve the vegetable bake.
How To Make Scalloped Vegetable Bake
This vegetarian-friendly vegetable bake makes for a tasty side of tender potatoes, carrots, and zucchinis, baked with cheese, for a gooey and rich dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2medium zucchinis,washed
- 3medium potatoes,washed and peeled
- 5medium carrots,washed and peeled
- 4medium eggs
- ⅓cupbutter,melted
- ⅔cupmilk
- ⅛tspnutmeg
- ½tspdried basil
- ½tspdried thyme
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- 1cupall purpose flour
- 1½cupscheddar cheese,shredded
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
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Carefully slice the zucchini, potatoes, and carrots very thinly with a mandolin or a sharp knife.
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In a large bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, and milk, and whisk until combined. Add the nutmeg, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and flour, and whisk well. Add the sliced veggies to the batter and stir well until the slices are well-coated.
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Add half of the vegetables slices to the prepared pan and flatten with a spoon. Sprinkle the cheese over the vegetables.
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Top with the rest of the vegetables and cover the pan with aluminum foil.
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Bake for about 1½ hours, until the vegetables are fully cooked and tender.
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Let cool for at least 10 minutes, and release the springform, slice, and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 475.88kcal
- Fat: 25.75g
- Saturated Fat: 14.46g
- Trans Fat: 0.81g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.77g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.73g
- Carbohydrates: 44.13g
- Fiber: 5.31g
- Sugar: 6.52g
- Protein: 18.28g
- Cholesterol: 172.61mg
- Sodium: 806.43mg
- Calcium: 323.84mg
- Potassium: 924.48mg
- Iron: 3.03mg
- Vitamin A: 663.91µg
- Vitamin C: 35.72mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Scalloped Vegetable Bake Recipe
When slicing the zucchini, potatoes, and carrots for this recipe, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and a more pleasing texture in the final dish. A mandoline slicer can be a great tool for achieving this, but if you're using a knife, take your time to make the slices as even as possible.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Vegetable Bake
Prep ahead: Chop and slice the vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can help you quickly and uniformly slice the vegetables, saving you time and ensuring even cooking.
Multi-task: While the vegetable bake is in the oven, use that time to prepare a simple salad or side dish to complete the meal.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible. This will help you work more efficiently.
Pre-shredded cheese: Consider using pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Scalloped Vegetable Bake Recipe
zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor to zucchini, making it a suitable replacement in the recipe.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color to the dish, while still providing the desired texture.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to carrots, making them a good substitute in this recipe.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs, especially in vegetarian or vegan versions of the recipe.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and moisture to the dish, serving as a healthier alternative to butter.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can provide a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can offer a warm and aromatic flavor similar to nutmeg, complementing the other herbs and spices in the recipe.
dried basil - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can provide a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, enhancing the overall herb profile of the dish.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can add a pine-like aroma and a slightly more intense flavor, complementing the other herbs in the recipe.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: Gluten-free all purpose flour can be used for those with gluten sensitivities, providing a similar texture and structure to the dish.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which can add a rich and creamy taste to the dish, similar to cheddar.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Scalloped Vegetable Bake
Elevate the plating: Arrange the scalloped vegetable bake in a circular motion, layering the vegetables in an elegant and visually appealing manner. Use precision and attention to detail to create a stunning presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and chives over the top of the scalloped vegetable bake to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or borage, to add a touch of sophistication and a visually striking element to the dish.
Utilize specialty serving ware: Present the scalloped vegetable bake in individual ramekins or elegant ceramic baking dishes to create a sense of individuality and elevate the dining experience.
Accentuate with a drizzle: Finish the plating with a subtle drizzle of truffle oil or a balsamic reduction to add a layer of complexity and depth to the dish.
Create a contrasting side salad: Serve the scalloped vegetable bake alongside a vibrant microgreen salad or a refreshing fennel and citrus salad to provide a textural and flavor contrast.
Add a touch of luxury: Consider incorporating a small serving of caviar or truffle shavings as a luxurious and indulgent garnish to elevate the dish to a new level of sophistication.
Present with a sauce: Accompany the scalloped vegetable bake with a small side of béchamel sauce or a tangy herb-infused aioli to provide an additional layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Scalloped Vegetable Bake
- Mandoline: A mandoline is a kitchen tool used for slicing and cutting vegetables and fruits with precision and uniformity.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for safely and accurately slicing vegetables and fruits.
- 10-inch springform pan: A springform pan is a type of bakeware with sides that can be removed from the base. It is often used for making cakes and bakes.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line baking pans and prevent food from sticking.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into the mixture.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is used to cover dishes and pans to prevent over-browning or drying out while cooking.
Storing and Freezing Scalloped Vegetable Bake
Let the scalloped vegetable bake cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the vegetable bake:
- Cut the bake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat the scalloped vegetable bake:
- If frozen, thaw the desired number of portions overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave:
- Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Time may vary depending on your microwave's power.
How To Reheat Leftover Scalloped Vegetable Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the leftover scalloped vegetable bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the vegetables from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place a single serving of the scalloped vegetable bake on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the vegetables halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated scalloped vegetable bake, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and sprinkle some additional cheddar cheese on top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the dish uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover scalloped vegetable bake in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce and prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan. Stir occasionally until the dish is heated through and the sauce is creamy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your scalloped vegetable bake. Place a single serving in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help to crisp up the top layer of the bake while keeping the vegetables moist.
Interesting Fact About Scalloped Vegetable Bake
Scalloped vegetable bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be customized with a variety of vegetables and herbs. It's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet and can be a tasty side dish or a main course.
Is Making Scalloped Vegetable Bake at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this scalloped vegetable bake recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. While vegetables are generally affordable, the quantity and variety required for this dish may increase the cost. However, the use of staple ingredients like eggs, milk, and flour helps balance the overall cost. Considering the nutritional value and the potential for leftovers, this dish could be rated a 7/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a reasonable option for a wholesome family meal.
Is This Vegetable Bake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The scalloped vegetable bake recipe is a nutritious dish that incorporates a variety of vegetables, including zucchini, potatoes, and carrots. These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice. However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of butter, cheese, and all-purpose flour, which can increase the calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used in the recipe, or opt for low-fat alternatives such as olive oil and reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutritious base for the dish
- Add more vegetables to the recipe, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density and flavor profile of the bake
- Use a combination of egg whites and whole eggs to reduce the cholesterol content while maintaining the binding properties of the eggs
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, paprika, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or cheese
Editor's Opinion on the Scalloped Vegetable Bake Recipe
This scalloped vegetable bake recipe is a delightful way to showcase the natural flavors of zucchini, potatoes, and carrots. The combination of cheddar cheese, nutmeg, basil, and thyme adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. The creamy texture and tender vegetables make this bake a comforting and satisfying meal. The simple preparation and beautiful presentation make it a versatile dish for any occasion. It's a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a delicious and indulgent dish.
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Why trust this Scalloped Vegetable Bake Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and a blend of herbs to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. The combination of cheddar cheese and butter adds richness and depth to the bake, while the eggs and milk create a creamy and satisfying texture. The careful layering of the thinly sliced zucchinis, potatoes, and carrots ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. With a balance of wholesome ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavors, this scalloped vegetable bake is a trustworthy and delightful addition to any meal.
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