Dive into the irresistible world of vegetarian baked cheese, a dish that’s a perfect blend of indulgent comfort and vibrant, garden-fresh flavor. This crowd-pleaser layers heaps of gooey cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan atop a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all seasoned with aromatic garlic, oregano, and olive oil. A golden breadcrumb crust infused with butter adds a delightful crunch, while fresh basil leaves bring a pop of herbal brightness to each bite. Ready in under an hour, this baked cheese casserole is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, showcasing how simple ingredients can transform into an unforgettable meal. Vegetarian, cheesy, and oven-baked perfection—this recipe checks all the boxes for a hearty yet wholesome dish!
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
Grate the cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese and set them aside.
Chop the sweet bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the red onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables and onion with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Transfer the vegetable mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top of the vegetables.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and mix in the bread crumbs, stirring until coated with butter.
Spread the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top of the bread crumb layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Calories |
1855 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.9 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.5 g | 302% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 284 mg | 95% | |
| Sodium | 5734 mg | 249% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.5 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.8 g | ||
| Protein | 85.6 g | 171% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 2030 mg | 156% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 2035 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.