Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale

This Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a delightful and nutritious dish, perfect for a wholesome family meal. Loaded with vibrant, fresh vegetables and topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this bake is both comforting and healthy. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, making it a versatile side dish or even a satisfying main course for vegetarians. The colorful medley of broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful bake straight from the oven for a hearty and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or dill)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and grated carrot.
   • Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
   • Transfer the vegetables to the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cheesy vegetable bake as a comforting side dish or a main course with a side salad or crusty bread.

This Cheesy Vegetable Bake is sure to become a family favorite with its creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious, colorful vegetables.