Mediterranean Cheesy Baked Potato and Vegetable Casserole
This Mediterranean-inspired baked casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and vegetable-packed dish. It’s perfect as a main for a cozy dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal. Loaded with potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy custard, it’s comforting but still full of fresh flavors from basil, cherry tomatoes, and a light cucumber-dill salad on the side.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Vegetables & Base:
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, diced
14.10 oz (about 400g) mushrooms, sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasoning & Oil:
Olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried garlic
1 tsp dried basil
Custard & Cheese:
4 eggs
Greek yogurt or sour cream (about 3.52 oz / 100g)
Milk (about 1/2 cup / 100ml)
Cheese, grated (about 5.29 oz / 150g)
Small piece of Parmesan cheese, grated
For Garnish & Salad:
Fresh basil leaves
1 cucumber, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
Fresh dill, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish with olive oil.
Prepare vegetables:
Boil the potato cubes in salted water for about 10 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Sauté aromatics:
In a skillet, heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion and carrot until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add mushrooms, salt, black pepper, dried garlic, and dried basil. Cook until mushrooms release moisture and slightly brown.
Assemble casserole:
In the casserole dish, layer potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and broccoli. Scatter cherry tomato halves over the top.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, and half of the grated cheese. Pour the mixture evenly over the vegetables.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and Parmesan over the top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Prepare cucumber salad:
Mix diced cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the baked casserole. Serve alongside the cucumber salad.
Tips
Vegetable prep: Parboiling potatoes ensures they cook evenly in the casserole. You can roast instead of boil for extra flavor.
Cheese options: Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar work well. Mix and match for stronger or milder flavors.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Egg custard: For a fluffier texture, beat eggs until slightly frothy before mixing with yogurt and milk.
Variations
Vegan option: Replace eggs with a chickpea flour batter and cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Extra veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for more color and nutrients.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes into the custard or sautéed vegetables.
Mediterranean twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Q&A
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes, but reduce the pre-boil time slightly as sweet potatoes cook faster.
Q: Can this be frozen?
A: Yes. Bake, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: You can, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier texture. If using regular yogurt, reduce milk slightly.
Nutritions
(per serving, approximate for 6 servings)
Calories: 280–320 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
This Mediterranean cheesy baked potato and vegetable casserole is a flexible, satisfying dish that balances creamy richness with fresh, vibrant vegetables. It works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as part of a larger spread. The cucumber-dill salad adds brightness, making the meal refreshing as well as comforting.