Name: Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 tbsp oil; 225 g (~ 2 cups) frozen sliced peppers or 3 fresh bell peppers, sliced or diced; 100 g (~ 1 cup) frozen sweetcorn; 100 g (~ 1 cup) frozen peas; 1/2 small head broccoli (~ 2 cups prepared broccoli); 6 medium mushrooms, sliced or diced; 35 g (~ 2 1/2 tbsp) butter; 2 1/2 tbsp plain flour; 250 ml (~ 1 cup) milk; 250 ml (~ 1 cup) vegetable stock; Black pepper, to taste; Salt, optional; 75 g cheddar cheese, grated (~ 3/4 cup); 50 g (~ 1/3 cup) fine breadcrumbs; Spray oil, for crisping the topping

If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet vibrant dish that brings wholesome veggies and a luscious sauce to the table, look no further than this Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a medley of colorful vegetables enveloped in a velvety, cheesy white sauce with a perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping. Whether you want a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side, this creamy vegetable bake balances flavors and textures that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan filled with a colorful mix of cooked vegetables including green broccoli, yellow corn, red bell peppers, and light brown mushroom slices. A pink silicone spoon rests inside the pan, angled over the vegetables. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. The vegetables have a fresh, slightly glossy look from being cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial for delivering the right layers of taste, texture, and visual appeal. Each component plays a vital role, from the fresh vegetables adding vibrant color and nutrition to the rich sauce and crunchy topping that make this dish irresistibly satisfying.

1 tbsp oil: For sautéing the vegetables to tender perfection without sticking.
225 g frozen sliced peppers (or 3 fresh bell peppers, sliced or diced): Adds sweetness and a burst of red, yellow, or green to brighten the dish.
100 g frozen sweetcorn: Brings a gentle pop of sweetness and a lovely golden color.
100 g frozen peas: Deliver a subtle earthiness and vibrant green hue.
1/2 small head broccoli (~2 cups prepared): Adds texture and a satisfying bite plus essential nutrients.
~6 medium mushrooms, sliced or diced: Offer umami depth to balance the creaminess.
35 g butter: The foundation for a rich, silky white sauce that coats the veggies beautifully.
2 1/2 tbsp plain flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
250 ml milk (~1 cup): Provides a smooth, comforting base for the sauce.
250 ml vegetable stock (~1 cup): Adds flavorful depth without overpowering the vegetables.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning that brings warmth and enhances all flavors.
75 g cheddar cheese, grated (~3/4 cup): Melts over the bake and adds sharpness and richness.
50 g fine breadcrumbs (~1/3 cup): Create that crave-worthy golden, crunchy topping.
Spray oil: Used to help crisp the breadcrumbs beautifully in the oven.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Vegetables

First things first, heat your oil in a large frying pan. Toss in all your vegetables – peppers, sweetcorn, peas, broccoli, and mushrooms – and cook them over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want them tender but still vibrant, almost cooked through. If you prefer harder veggies like carrots or potatoes, a quick parboil beforehand will help them soften properly in the bake.

Step 2: Creating the Creamy Sauce

While your veggies are cooking, melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir to form a smooth paste, cooking it for a minute to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly pour in your milk in small amounts, stirring constantly to keep the sauce silky and lump-free. Next, introduce the vegetable stock gradually, continuing to stir until your sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency. This white sauce is the heart of the Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe, enveloping the veggies in a cozy blanket of flavor.

Step 3: Combining and Seasoning

Pour the creamy sauce over your cooked vegetables in the pan and mix everything thoroughly so every piece is coated. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed – remember, the vegetable stock often brings enough seasoning on its own. Transfer this gorgeous mixture into a baking dish, ideally around 9 by 7 inches in size to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Adding the Topping and Baking

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy vegetable mix, then scatter the fine breadcrumbs on top for that perfect crunchy layer. Give it a light spray of oil to help the breadcrumb topping crisp up in the oven. Pop your dish in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for about 25 minutes. When the cheese is melty and the topping is golden and crispy, your Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe is ready to impress.

How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish is shown from above with a mixture inside divided into two halves. On the right side, there is a creamy sauce with visible chunks of vegetables including yellow corn, green peas, and small pieces of mushrooms, covered partially with yellow shredded cheese. On the left side, a dry layer of light brown breadcrumbs is spread evenly with some cheese sprinkled over it. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the bake. For an extra touch, a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the experience and make your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This creamy vegetable bake is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed grains like quinoa or brown rice to add some wholesome balance and additional texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For hostess-worthy appeal, bake individual portions in small ramekins topped with fresh herbs. Or try layering the veggies and sauce in a clear casserole dish to showcase the colorful layers, making your Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe not just tasty but visually stunning on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover creamy vegetable bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for an even tastier meal the next day—ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness, around 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave leftovers for convenience, though the crispy topping will soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work beautifully, just slice them similarly to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that fresh produce might require slightly longer cooking times, especially denser vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

With a few tweaks, yes! Use a plant-based butter and milk alternative for the sauce, and replace cheddar with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Also, ensure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly to keep all bases covered.

Can I add other vegetables to this bake?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorites like zucchini, spinach, or even roasted butternut squash. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain that perfect tender-crisp texture before baking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. This makes it great for busy days or entertaining, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time in the kitchen.

What can I serve with the creamy vegetable bake for a balanced meal?

Pair it with some grilled protein like chicken or fish for a hearty dinner, or keep it vegetarian-friendly by serving with a fresh salad and crusty bread for a nourishing, well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites thanks to its comforting textures and vibrant flavors. It’s so satisfying to make, flexible to suit your pantry, and utterly delicious whether served as a main or a side. I truly can’t recommend trying it enough — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.

Creamy Vegetable Bake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need