Creamy Cheesy Veggie Bake
Creamy Cheesy Veggie Bake is the kind of comforting dish that turns simple vegetables into something rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. Tender broccoli, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, and savory garlic come together in a silky cream sauce, finished with melted mozzarella on top. It’s cozy enough for a family dinner yet fresh enough to enjoy year-round.
This bake works beautifully as a side dish, but it can also stand on its own for a lighter vegetarian meal. The combination of cream, thyme, and garlic creates a classic flavor base, while the vegetables add color and texture. It’s straightforward, flexible, and perfect when you want something warm and homemade without too much effort.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
1 large broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 handful baby kale (about 1 cup loosely packed)
1 small onion, diced
7 small cloves garlic, minced
12 small cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon butter (a small knob)
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
150 ml cream (about ⅔ cup)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Blanch broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add tomatoes: Toss in halved tomatoes and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Wilt kale: Add baby kale and cook until just wilted. Remove mixture from heat.
Make roux: In the same skillet, melt butter with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
Add cream: Slowly whisk in cream, stirring constantly until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and thyme.
Combine vegetables and sauce: Add broccoli and sautéed mixture into the sauce, stirring gently to coat.
Assemble bake: Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake: Place in oven for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips
Blanch broccoli briefly to keep it vibrant and tender.
Do not overcook broccoli before baking.
Use fresh garlic for deeper flavor.
Cook flour gently to avoid lumps in sauce.
Whisk continuously when adding cream.
Adjust salt carefully since cheese adds saltiness.
Use whole milk cream for richer texture.
Shred mozzarella fresh for better melting.
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning.
Let it rest before serving so sauce thickens slightly.
Variations
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or turkey.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne.
Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or Gruyère.
Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour.
Low-Carb Option: Replace flour with cream cheese for thickness.
Pasta Bake: Stir in cooked penne or fusilli.
Herb Upgrade: Add fresh rosemary or basil.
Extra Veggies: Include zucchini or bell peppers.
Crunchy Top: Add breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil before baking.
Q&A
Can I skip blanching broccoli?
You can, but blanching improves texture and color.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, though texture may soften slightly after thawing.
Why is my sauce thin?
It may need more simmering time to thicken.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but sauce will be lighter and less rich.
What can I serve with it?
Grilled meats, roasted chicken, or crusty bread.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes, as long as cheese contains no animal rennet.
Can I add spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely, spinach works well.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and extend bake time slightly.
Nutrition
(Approx. Per Serving, 1 of 6)
Calories: 260–300
Protein: 10–12g
Carbohydrates: 10–14g
Fat: 22–24g
Fiber: 3–4g
Calcium: High due to cheese and cream
Values vary depending on cheese and cream used.
Conclusion
Creamy Cheesy Veggie Bake transforms everyday vegetables into a warm, comforting dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The combination of tender broccoli, sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy thyme sauce topped with bubbling mozzarella makes every bite satisfying.
It’s flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand and reliable enough to make again and again. Whether served as a hearty side or simple vegetarian main, this bake brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal fuss.